World Number two, Daniil Medvedev survived a scare against 2017 finalist Marin Cilic to enter the second week of the Wimbledon Championship for the very first time here at Number 1 Court.

Medvedev extended his grass-court winning streak to seven matches with the 6-7(3), 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 victory, a three hour, 36-minute marathon of twists and turns and moments of madness.

This victory was also his first time coming back from two sets down at a Grand Slam.In the first set, Cilic broke the number two seed for a 4-2 lead. But Medvedev broke straight back courtesy of a Cilic double fault and set then went to the tie-break. The Croatian then took that decider for the loss of just three points and continued that dominance in the second set which he took by 6-3.

Medvedev got the breakthrough he was looking for when he snaffled the Cilic serve in the third set. And from there the Russian did not look back as he again broke at the start of the fourth set and marched purposefully towards the fifth.

In the decider, it was Medvedev who drew the first blood as Cilic`s serve was becoming more and more brittle. Cilic`s chance had come and gone while Daniil settled into his rhythm and established a 5-0 lead. Cilic clawed it back to 5-2 but that is as far as he got.

Medvedev converted his fourth match after Cilic pushed a backhand long point to advance.

"It was an unbelievable match. It was the first time I came back from two sets down to win. What is amazing is two times here in Wimbledon, I was two sets down and two times I came back and had a break in the fifth set and lost the match," Wimbledon quoted Medvedev after the match.

Elsewhere, for the 18th time, Roger Federer entered the second week at Wimbledon as he defeated Cameron Norrie in the third round 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 at Centre Court.&nbsp;

World Number two, Daniil Medvedev survived a scare against 2017 finalist Marin Cilic to enter the second week of the Wimbledon Championship for the very first time here at Number 1 Court.

World Number two, Daniil Medvedev survived a scare against 2017 finalist Marin Cilic to enter the second week of the Wimbledon Championship for the very first time here at Number 1 Court. Medvedev extended his grass-court winning streak to seven matches with the 6-7(3), 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 victory, a three hour, 36-minute marathon of twists and turns and moments of madness. This victory was also his first time coming back from two sets down at a Grand Slam.In the first set, Cilic broke the number two seed for a 4-2 lead. But Medvedev broke straight back courtesy of a Cilic double fault and set then went to the tie-break. The Croatian then took that decider for the loss of just three points and continued that dominance in the second set which he took by 6-3. Medvedev got the breakthrough he was looking for when he snaffled the Cilic serve in the third set. And from there the Russian did not look back as he again broke at the start of the fourth set and marched purposefully towards the fifth. In the decider, it was Medvedev who drew the first blood as Cilic`s serve was becoming more and more brittle. Cilic`s chance had come and gone while Daniil settled into his rhythm and established a 5-0 lead. Cilic clawed it back to 5-2 but that is as far as he got. Medvedev converted his fourth match after Cilic pushed a backhand long point to advance. "It was an unbelievable match. It was the first time I came back from two sets down to win. What is amazing is two times here in Wimbledon, I was two sets down and two times I came back and had a break in the fifth set and lost the match," Wimbledon quoted Medvedev after the match. Elsewhere, for the 18th time, Roger Federer entered the second week at Wimbledon as he defeated Cameron Norrie in the third round 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 at Centre Court.

Wimbledon: Medvedev survives giant scare against Cilic to enter round four for first time

Only four women have won Wimbledon having also clinched the junior title, but Iga Swiatek is looking an increasingly good bet to add her name to that list after storming into the fourth round with a 6-1 6-0 demolition of Irina-Camelia Begu on Friday. 
 
Former French Open champion Swiatek`s relentless pressure game crushed her Romanian opponent in a blink of an eye in a one sided demolition on Court 12. 
 
Poland`s Swiatek, seeded seven, suffocated her opponent from the start to reach the last 16 with her third straight-sets victory. 
 
While she clinched the junior title at the All England Club in 2018, she arrived at Wimbledon this year having previously won only one senior match on grass, but now looks very much at home on the slick lawns. 
 
So much so, that it now seems a realistic possibility that she could join Ann Jones (1956), Karen Hantze (1960), Martina Hingis (1994) and Amelie Mauresmo (1996) by backing up her junior title with the real deal. 
 
Not that she is letting that distract her. 
 
"You know, it would be amazing. It`s another Grand Slam, so it`s like a dream come true for any of us. Every girl that`s playing here wants to win. Yeah, it would be great winning junior title and then women`s title," she said. 
 
"But I`m not really thinking about it, because I don`t want to put any expectation on myself. I`m just playing step-by-step, match-by-match, and not really focusing on what`s gonna happen next week, just next match. I think it`s the good attitude towards the whole tournament." 
 
The 20-year-old, who won the Roland Garros title in 2020, dropped only eight points on serve against Begu and half of them came in just one game. 
 
She broke her opponent twice to race into a 5-0 lead, before Begu finally held serve, and then showed some grit to go with the punishing consistency of her groundstrokes when she saved three break points to hold and take the first set. 
 
The second set was even more one sided as Swiatek swept away the dying embers of Begu`s resistance to romp into the next round. 
 
Next up for Swiatek will be an encounter with former champion Garbine Muguruza or Tunisian Ons Jabeur. 
 
"They both have big serves. It`s gonna be tough," she said. "It`s fourth round of a Grand Slam, so I`m not expecting an easy match. I just hope it`s going to be a good match with a good performance. And yeah, that people are gonna like it." 
&nbsp;

Only four women have won Wimbledon having also clinched the junior title, but Iga Swiatek is looking an increasingly good bet to add her name to that list after storming into the fourth round with a 6-1 6-0 demolition of Irina-Camelia Begu on Friday.

Only four women have won Wimbledon having also clinched the junior title, but Iga Swiatek is looking an increasingly good bet to add her name to that list after storming into the fourth round with a 6-1 6-0 demolition of Irina-Camelia Begu on Friday. Former French Open champion Swiatek`s relentless pressure game crushed her Romanian opponent in a blink of an eye in a one sided demolition on Court 12. Poland`s Swiatek, seeded seven, suffocated her opponent from the start to reach the last 16 with her third straight-sets victory. While she clinched the junior title at the All England Club in 2018, she arrived at Wimbledon this year having previously won only one senior match on grass, but now looks very much at home on the slick lawns. So much so, that it now seems a realistic possibility that she could join Ann Jones (1956), Karen Hantze (1960), Martina Hingis (1994) and Amelie Mauresmo (1996) by backing up her junior title with the real deal. Not that she is letting that distract her. "You know, it would be amazing. It`s another Grand Slam, so it`s like a dream come true for any of us. Every girl that`s playing here wants to win. Yeah, it would be great winning junior title and then women`s title," she said. "But I`m not really thinking about it, because I don`t want to put any expectation on myself. I`m just playing step-by-step, match-by-match, and not really focusing on what`s gonna happen next week, just next match. I think it`s the good attitude towards the whole tournament." The 20-year-old, who won the Roland Garros title in 2020, dropped only eight points on serve against Begu and half of them came in just one game. She broke her opponent twice to race into a 5-0 lead, before Begu finally held serve, and then showed some grit to go with the punishing consistency of her groundstrokes when she saved three break points to hold and take the first set. The second set was even more one sided as Swiatek swept away the dying embers of Begu`s resistance to romp into the next round. Next up for Swiatek will be an encounter with former champion Garbine Muguruza or Tunisian Ons Jabeur. "They both have big serves. It`s gonna be tough," she said. "It`s fourth round of a Grand Slam, so I`m not expecting an easy match. I just hope it`s going to be a good match with a good performance. And yeah, that people are gonna like it."

Tennis-Swiatek eyes dream double after crushing Begu at Wimbledon

The business of trying to win your first Grand Slam title can be a tough one as Alexander Zverev is all too aware. 
 
Despite being only 24, the German, seeded fourth at Wimbledon, is playing in his 24th Grand Slam tournament and so far it has been a slow grind. 
 
It looked like he was going to claim the long-predicted first major when he led Dominic Thiem by two sets in last year`s U.S. Open final, only to go down in five. 
 
Yet while being an elite tennis professional is a serious business, there can still be some fun days at the office, as was the case against the aptly-named Tennys Sandgren on Thursday. 
 
At times, Zverev`s 7-5 6-2 6-3 win over the American looked like an exhibition match with both players laughing and joking and interacting with the fans on Court Two. 
 
It was a welcome relief from the intensity that usually comes with a Grand Slam clash and there were hints of comedy as Sandgren was docked a point after a ball fell out of his pocket while he was running towards the net. 
 
"I`ve got a spare pair of shorts if you want," Zverev said to Sandgren, who kept up a running commentary during the match. 
 
There will be more serious days ahead for Zverev, but on Thursday, at least, he could enjoy himself. 
 
"I think it`s not common to have days like that, matches like that," Zverev, who has yet to drop a set in two commanding wins, told reporters. "But Tennys has a very good sense of humour. I think the British crowd have a great sense of humour. 
 
"You can`t really do that if the crowd doesn`t have a great sense of humour. I do enjoy those kind of moments. 
 
"Grand Slams are so serious, our sport is very, very serious because if you lose focus for a second the match can turn around very quickly. But I believe that (some humour) is also very good for our sport." 
 
The clean-hitting German was always in command of an entertaining tussle once he broke Sandgren`s serve at 5-5 in the first set. From then on it was one-way traffic as Zverev reached the third round for the fourth time. 
 
Sandgren entertained the crowd with some good-natured banter and could only chuckle when he made a complete mess of a Zverev miss-hit to go down a double break in the second set. 
 
The German faced only one break point in the match and has yet to drop a set. He will face another American in the next round -- either 31st seed Taylor Fritz or Steve Johnson. 
 
"For a second round, I played very decent tennis. But I also do know that there will be guys, there will be opponents, who will not let me play this well and who will try to break my rhythm, who will try to break my game up," Zverev said. 
 
"Those are the kind of moments where I will need to step up and play even better."

The business of trying to win your first Grand Slam title can be a tough one as Alexander Zverev is all too aware. Despite being only 24, the German, seeded fourth at Wimbledon, is playing in his 24th Grand Slam tournament and so far it has been a slow grind.

The business of trying to win your first Grand Slam title can be a tough one as Alexander Zverev is all too aware. Despite being only 24, the German, seeded fourth at Wimbledon, is playing in his 24th Grand Slam tournament and so far it has been a slow grind. It looked like he was going to claim the long-predicted first major when he led Dominic Thiem by two sets in last year`s U.S. Open final, only to go down in five. Yet while being an elite tennis professional is a serious business, there can still be some fun days at the office, as was the case against the aptly-named Tennys Sandgren on Thursday. At times, Zverev`s 7-5 6-2 6-3 win over the American looked like an exhibition match with both players laughing and joking and interacting with the fans on Court Two. It was a welcome relief from the intensity that usually comes with a Grand Slam clash and there were hints of comedy as Sandgren was docked a point after a ball fell out of his pocket while he was running towards the net. "I`ve got a spare pair of shorts if you want," Zverev said to Sandgren, who kept up a running commentary during the match. There will be more serious days ahead for Zverev, but on Thursday, at least, he could enjoy himself. "I think it`s not common to have days like that, matches like that," Zverev, who has yet to drop a set in two commanding wins, told reporters. "But Tennys has a very good sense of humour. I think the British crowd have a great sense of humour. "You can`t really do that if the crowd doesn`t have a great sense of humour. I do enjoy those kind of moments. "Grand Slams are so serious, our sport is very, very serious because if you lose focus for a second the match can turn around very quickly. But I believe that (some humour) is also very good for our sport." The clean-hitting German was always in command of an entertaining tussle once he broke Sandgren`s serve at 5-5 in the first set. From then on it was one-way traffic as Zverev reached the third round for the fourth time. Sandgren entertained the crowd with some good-natured banter and could only chuckle when he made a complete mess of a Zverev miss-hit to go down a double break in the second set. The German faced only one break point in the match and has yet to drop a set. He will face another American in the next round -- either 31st seed Taylor Fritz or Steve Johnson. "For a second round, I played very decent tennis. But I also do know that there will be guys, there will be opponents, who will not let me play this well and who will try to break my rhythm, who will try to break my game up," Zverev said. "Those are the kind of moments where I will need to step up and play even better."

Wimbledon: Fun day at the office for Zverev as he reaches third round

World number one Ash Barty moved into the third round at Wimbledon but not without a battle as she overcame spirited Russian Anna Blinkova and her own inconsistency in a 6-4 6-3 win on Thursday. 
 
The top seed never looked in danger against the 89th-ranked Blinkova, but it was still not plain sailing for the Australian scrapper. 
 
Her serve, so often a dependable weapon, was at times wayward, as she hit nine double faults and was broken three times, while her 33 unforced errors suggest she has some way to go to get fully sharp on the grass. 
 
Barty, whose sole Grand Slam title came at the 2019 French Open, has never gone beyond the last 16 at Wimbledon. 
 
She ultimately had too much firepower for Blinkova, however, and wrapped up victory after an hour and 30 minutes when her opponent swiped a forehand long. 
 
"A few things didn`t feel quite right today. That`s half the battle in sport, being able to find a way when it`s not feeling all that great," Barty told reporters. 
 
"I felt like when my back was against the wall today I was able to bring the good stuff. It just wasn`t quite there all the time." 
 
Next up for Barty will be an encounter with 64th-ranked Czech Katerina Siniakova, who booked her spot in the third round with a 4-6 6-2 6-2 win over CoCo Vandeweghe. 
 
Yet there are certainly some creases to iron out in the Australian`s game before then. 
 
IMPROVEMENT NEEDED 
 
After taking 49 weeks out of the sport as tennis closed down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Barty returned to the tour exhibiting the sort of consistency that has seen her finish the campaign at the top of the rankings for the last two years. 
 
This season she has won more titles, reached more finals and beaten more top-10 opponents than anyone else on tour, but against Blinkova there was room for improvement. 
 
Barty has fired down more aces than anyone this year, but her serve was vulnerable in the afternoon sun on Centre Court. 
 
She was broken twice in the opening set, with some of her issues self-imposed as the double fault count mounted. 
 
"Not my best serving day. But that happens as well. I felt like I was just out of rhythm a little bit. A few technical things weren`t quite feeling spot on," she said. 
 
"But you have those days where some days you feel like you`re eight-foot tall and can`t miss the box. Other days you feel like you`re three-foot-nothing, just getting (the ball) over the net is a bit of a battle." 
 
Barty eventually came through the opener with three breaks of her own and then threatened to run away with the match as she won four games in a row to take a 2-0 lead at the start of the second set. 
 
Blinkova dug in, however, hitting back against the Barty serve to level at 2-2 and holding firm until the top seed turned the screw with two further breaks to close out the contest.

World number one Ash Barty moved into the third round at Wimbledon but not without a battle as she overcame spirited Russian Anna Blinkova and her own inconsistency in a 6-4 6-3 win on Thursday.

World number one Ash Barty moved into the third round at Wimbledon but not without a battle as she overcame spirited Russian Anna Blinkova and her own inconsistency in a 6-4 6-3 win on Thursday. The top seed never looked in danger against the 89th-ranked Blinkova, but it was still not plain sailing for the Australian scrapper. Her serve, so often a dependable weapon, was at times wayward, as she hit nine double faults and was broken three times, while her 33 unforced errors suggest she has some way to go to get fully sharp on the grass. Barty, whose sole Grand Slam title came at the 2019 French Open, has never gone beyond the last 16 at Wimbledon. She ultimately had too much firepower for Blinkova, however, and wrapped up victory after an hour and 30 minutes when her opponent swiped a forehand long. "A few things didn`t feel quite right today. That`s half the battle in sport, being able to find a way when it`s not feeling all that great," Barty told reporters. "I felt like when my back was against the wall today I was able to bring the good stuff. It just wasn`t quite there all the time." Next up for Barty will be an encounter with 64th-ranked Czech Katerina Siniakova, who booked her spot in the third round with a 4-6 6-2 6-2 win over CoCo Vandeweghe. Yet there are certainly some creases to iron out in the Australian`s game before then. IMPROVEMENT NEEDED After taking 49 weeks out of the sport as tennis closed down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Barty returned to the tour exhibiting the sort of consistency that has seen her finish the campaign at the top of the rankings for the last two years. This season she has won more titles, reached more finals and beaten more top-10 opponents than anyone else on tour, but against Blinkova there was room for improvement. Barty has fired down more aces than anyone this year, but her serve was vulnerable in the afternoon sun on Centre Court. She was broken twice in the opening set, with some of her issues self-imposed as the double fault count mounted. "Not my best serving day. But that happens as well. I felt like I was just out of rhythm a little bit. A few technical things weren`t quite feeling spot on," she said. "But you have those days where some days you feel like you`re eight-foot tall and can`t miss the box. Other days you feel like you`re three-foot-nothing, just getting (the ball) over the net is a bit of a battle." Barty eventually came through the opener with three breaks of her own and then threatened to run away with the match as she won four games in a row to take a 2-0 lead at the start of the second set. Blinkova dug in, however, hitting back against the Barty serve to level at 2-2 and holding firm until the top seed turned the screw with two further breaks to close out the contest.

Tennis-Barty wins Blinkova battle to reach Wimbledon third round

South African Kevin Anderson will hope to gain revenge on Novak Djokovic and end the Serb`s bid for a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam when they meet in the Wimbledon second round on Wednesday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-wimbledon-ends-in-tears-for-injured-serena-williams-394825" hreflang="en">Tennis: Wimbledon ends in tears for injured Serena Williams</a> 
 
Anderson was outplayed by Djokovic in the title showdown three years ago after spending 11 hours on court in his previous two matches. 
 
The 35-year-old knows he must produce his best tennis to compete with Djokovic, who is unbeaten at the All England Club since the 2017 quarter-finals. 
 
"Of course, in the big moments and on the centre courts, he`s been there so many times. He has a lot of confidence and comfort in those situations," Anderson said. 
 
"And of course he`s a fighter. I`ve played some matches with him where it`s been really close and he is not giving anything (away). It`s not going to be easy, but I`m definitely looking forward to the challenge." 
 
Former world number five Anderson has seen his ranking slip to 102 after struggling with injuries over the past couple of years, including two knee surgeries between September 2019 and February 2020. 
 
Having failed to make an impact in the grasscourt warm-up events in Nottingham and Eastbourne, Anderson was relieved to find some rhythm in his opening round four-set victory at Wimbledon over Chilean youngster Marcelo Tomas Barrios Vera. 
 
Although Djokovic has lost only three of his 31 matches this season, the big-serving right-handed South African will walk out on Centre Court with renewed confidence. 
 
"I think at the end of the day, (it’s about) approaching it like another tennis match. Just focusing on what you can do, what you can control," Anderson added. 
 
After surviving an opening round wobble, twice champion Andy Murray will face Germany`s Oscar Otte who needed a fifth-set tiebreak to see off fellow qualifier Arthur Rinderknech. 
 
In the women`s draw, second seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus will resume her bid for a maiden Grand Slam title against local hope Katie Boulter. 
 
Tunisia`s Ons Jabeur, who became the first Arab woman to lift a WTA trophy in Birmingham this month, faces an early test of her grasscourt credentials against 41-year-old five-times champion Venus Williams.

South African Kevin Anderson will hope to gain revenge on Novak Djokovic and end the Serb`s bid for a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam when they meet in the Wimbledon second round on Wednesday.

South African Kevin Anderson will hope to gain revenge on Novak Djokovic and end the Serb`s bid for a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam when they meet in the Wimbledon second round on Wednesday. ALSO READ: Tennis: Wimbledon ends in tears for injured Serena Williams Anderson was outplayed by Djokovic in the title showdown three years ago after spending 11 hours on court in his previous two matches. The 35-year-old knows he must produce his best tennis to compete with Djokovic, who is unbeaten at the All England Club since the 2017 quarter-finals. "Of course, in the big moments and on the centre courts, he`s been there so many times. He has a lot of confidence and comfort in those situations," Anderson said. "And of course he`s a fighter. I`ve played some matches with him where it`s been really close and he is not giving anything (away). It`s not going to be easy, but I`m definitely looking forward to the challenge." Former world number five Anderson has seen his ranking slip to 102 after struggling with injuries over the past couple of years, including two knee surgeries between September 2019 and February 2020. Having failed to make an impact in the grasscourt warm-up events in Nottingham and Eastbourne, Anderson was relieved to find some rhythm in his opening round four-set victory at Wimbledon over Chilean youngster Marcelo Tomas Barrios Vera. Although Djokovic has lost only three of his 31 matches this season, the big-serving right-handed South African will walk out on Centre Court with renewed confidence. "I think at the end of the day, (it’s about) approaching it like another tennis match. Just focusing on what you can do, what you can control," Anderson added. After surviving an opening round wobble, twice champion Andy Murray will face Germany`s Oscar Otte who needed a fifth-set tiebreak to see off fellow qualifier Arthur Rinderknech. In the women`s draw, second seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus will resume her bid for a maiden Grand Slam title against local hope Katie Boulter. Tunisia`s Ons Jabeur, who became the first Arab woman to lift a WTA trophy in Birmingham this month, faces an early test of her grasscourt credentials against 41-year-old five-times champion Venus Williams.

Tennis: Big-serving Anderson relishing Wimbledon rematch with Djokovic

Tennis great Serena Williams limped out of Wimbledon in tears on Tuesday after her latest bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles crown ended in injury.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-injured-simona-halep-stan-wawrinka-add-to-list-of-withdrawals-from-tokyo-games-394726" hreflang="en">Tennis: Injured Simona Halep, Stan Wawrinka add to list of withdrawals from Tokyo Games</a>

The American sixth seed and seven-times Wimbledon winner was clearly in pain on a slippery Centre Court and sought treatment while 3-2 up in her first-round match against unseeded Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

Williams returned after a long break but the distress was evident.

She grimaced and wiped away tears before preparing to serve at 3-3 after Sasnovich had pulled back from 3-1 down.

The 39-year-old, who had started the match with strapping on her right thigh, then let out a shriek and sank kneeling to the grass sobbing, before being helped off the court.

"I was heartbroken to have to withdraw today after injuring my right leg," Williams wrote on Instagram.

"My love and gratitude are with the fans and the team who make being on centre court so meaningful. Feeling the extraordinary warmth and support of the crowd today when I walked on - and off - the court meant the world to me."

GREAT CHAMPION

Sasnovich, who practised her serve while Williams was getting treatment, commiserated with an opponent who had never gone out in the first round at Wimbledon in her previous 19 visits.

"I'm so sad for Serena, she's a great champion," said the world number 100. "It happens sometimes."

Eight-times men's singles champion Roger Federer expressed shock at Williams' departure and voiced concern about the surface, with the roof closed on Centre Court on a rainy afternoon.

His first-round opponent Adrian Mannarino of France also retired with a knee injury after a slip in the match immediately before Williams'.

"I do feel it feels a tad more slippery maybe under the roof. I don't know if it's just a gut feeling. You do have to move very, very carefully out there. If you push too hard in the wrong moments, you do go down," Federer said.

"I feel for a lot of players, it's super key to get through those first two rounds because the grass is more slippery, it is more soft. As the tournament progresses, usually it gets harder and easier to move on."

Williams has been a Wimbledon finalist in her last four appearances but her bid to equal Margaret Court's record 24 Grand Slam singles titles has stalled since her last in Australia in 2017.

With the absence this year of world number two Naomi Osaka and third-ranked Simona Halep, hopes were rising of another year to remember for the American.

"It was hard for me to watch that," said compatriot Coco Gauff. "She's the reason why I started to play tennis. It's hard to watch any player get injured, but especially her."

Tennis great Serena Williams limped out of Wimbledon in tears on Tuesday after her latest bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles crown ended in injury.

Tennis great Serena Williams limped out of Wimbledon in tears on Tuesday after her latest bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles crown ended in injury. ALSO READ: Tennis: Injured Simona Halep, Stan Wawrinka add to list of withdrawals from Tokyo Games The American sixth seed and seven-times Wimbledon winner was clearly in pain on a slippery Centre Court and sought treatment while 3-2 up in her first-round match against unseeded Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich. Williams returned after a long break but the distress was evident. She grimaced and wiped away tears before preparing to serve at 3-3 after Sasnovich had pulled back from 3-1 down. The 39-year-old, who had started the match with strapping on her right thigh, then let out a shriek and sank kneeling to the grass sobbing, before being helped off the court. "I was heartbroken to have to withdraw today after injuring my right leg," Williams wrote on Instagram. "My love and gratitude are with the fans and the team who make being on centre court so meaningful. Feeling the extraordinary warmth and support of the crowd today when I walked on - and off - the court meant the world to me." GREAT CHAMPION Sasnovich, who practised her serve while Williams was getting treatment, commiserated with an opponent who had never gone out in the first round at Wimbledon in her previous 19 visits. "I'm so sad for Serena, she's a great champion," said the world number 100. "It happens sometimes." Eight-times men's singles champion Roger Federer expressed shock at Williams' departure and voiced concern about the surface, with the roof closed on Centre Court on a rainy afternoon. His first-round opponent Adrian Mannarino of France also retired with a knee injury after a slip in the match immediately before Williams'. "I do feel it feels a tad more slippery maybe under the roof. I don't know if it's just a gut feeling. You do have to move very, very carefully out there. If you push too hard in the wrong moments, you do go down," Federer said. "I feel for a lot of players, it's super key to get through those first two rounds because the grass is more slippery, it is more soft. As the tournament progresses, usually it gets harder and easier to move on." Williams has been a Wimbledon finalist in her last four appearances but her bid to equal Margaret Court's record 24 Grand Slam singles titles has stalled since her last in Australia in 2017. With the absence this year of world number two Naomi Osaka and third-ranked Simona Halep, hopes were rising of another year to remember for the American. "It was hard for me to watch that," said compatriot Coco Gauff. "She's the reason why I started to play tennis. It's hard to watch any player get injured, but especially her."

Tennis: Wimbledon ends in tears for injured Serena Williams

Five-times champion Venus Williams, playing as a wildcard in her 23rd Wimbledon, showed vintage form to beat Romania's Mihaela Buzarnescu 7-5 4-6 6-3 and reach the second round on Tuesday.

The oldest woman in the draw at 41, Williams had not won a match since reaching the second round at the Australian Open in February but showed she was far from finished on her return to a favourite place.

The Court Three clash of veterans, one of several held over due to rain on Monday, was the 271st victory of a remarkable Grand Slam career for Williams and, despite serving 10 aces, did not come easy.

The American had powered to a 5-1 lead in the final set but then wobbled as Buzarnescu, 33, saved a match point and came back to 5-3.

The Romanian failed to convert three break points in the final game, but saved another match point, before Williams made sure of victory at the third attempt.

Williams' next opponent will be Tunisian Ons Jabeur, who beat Sweden's Rebecca Peterson 6-2 6-1.

Five-times champion Venus Williams, playing as a wildcard in her 23rd Wimbledon, showed vintage form to beat Romania's Mihaela Buzarnescu 7-5 4-6 6-3 and reach the second round on Tuesday.

Five-times champion Venus Williams, playing as a wildcard in her 23rd Wimbledon, showed vintage form to beat Romania's Mihaela Buzarnescu 7-5 4-6 6-3 and reach the second round on Tuesday. The oldest woman in the draw at 41, Williams had not won a match since reaching the second round at the Australian Open in February but showed she was far from finished on her return to a favourite place. The Court Three clash of veterans, one of several held over due to rain on Monday, was the 271st victory of a remarkable Grand Slam career for Williams and, despite serving 10 aces, did not come easy. The American had powered to a 5-1 lead in the final set but then wobbled as Buzarnescu, 33, saved a match point and came back to 5-3. The Romanian failed to convert three break points in the final game, but saved another match point, before Williams made sure of victory at the third attempt. Williams' next opponent will be Tunisian Ons Jabeur, who beat Sweden's Rebecca Peterson 6-2 6-1.

Tennis-Wildcard Venus through to second round at her 23rd Wimbledon

Third-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas has been knocked out of the Wimbledon 2021 in a shocking loss to American ace Frances Tiafoe in the very first round on Monday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2021-djokovic-avoids-shock-as-centre-court-comes-back-to-life-394535" hreflang="en">Wimbledon 2021: Djokovic avoids shock as Centre Court comes back to life</a>

The Greek tennis star was cleaned up in straight sets 4-6, 4-6, 3-6 in his third first-round loss at the grass-court Slam after 2017 after 2019.&nbsp;

This is Frances Tiafoe, who is currently 57th ranked in ATP's list, biggest win and he will proceed into the second round.

Tsitsipas dominated the match in terms of Aces, first-serve percentage and winning the receiving points. However, the American player still managed to get the better of Roland Garros finalist.&nbsp;

Earlier, World No. 1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic came back from behind to beat 10-year-old Jake Draper.&nbsp;

"It feels great seeing everyone and being back on the most sacred tennis court in the world," Djokovic, who is bidding to win a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title, said on court.

"It was very sad last year that Wimbledon was cancelled but really glad the sport is back."

Third-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas has been knocked out of the Wimbledon 2021 in a shocking loss to American ace Frances Tiafoe in the very first round on Monday. ALSO READ: Wimbledon 2021: Djokovic avoids shock as Centre Court comes back to life The Greek tennis star was cleaned up in straight sets 4-6, 4-6, 3-6 in his third first-round loss at the grass-court Slam after 2017 after 2019.

Third-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas has been knocked out of the Wimbledon 2021 in a shocking loss to American ace Frances Tiafoe in the very first round on Monday. ALSO READ: Wimbledon 2021: Djokovic avoids shock as Centre Court comes back to life The Greek tennis star was cleaned up in straight sets 4-6, 4-6, 3-6 in his third first-round loss at the grass-court Slam after 2017 after 2019. This is Frances Tiafoe, who is currently 57th ranked in ATP's list, biggest win and he will proceed into the second round. Tsitsipas dominated the match in terms of Aces, first-serve percentage and winning the receiving points. However, the American player still managed to get the better of Roland Garros finalist. Earlier, World No. 1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic came back from behind to beat 10-year-old Jake Draper. "It feels great seeing everyone and being back on the most sacred tennis court in the world," Djokovic, who is bidding to win a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title, said on court. "It was very sad last year that Wimbledon was cancelled but really glad the sport is back."

Wimbledon 2021: Third-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas crashes out in first round

Murky skies and drizzle could not dampen the enthusiasm of spectators arriving on Monday for the start of the 134th Wimbledon Championships which were cancelled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
COVID-19 protocols mean this year`s tournament will look and feel a little different -- but one old Wimbledon tradition remained firmly intact with rain delaying the scheduled 1000GMT start on the outside courts. 
 
Fittingly for the eagerly-awaited return of the tournament, Andy Murray will resume his role as flag-bearer for the home nation with a prime time engagement later on Centre Court. 
 
Whisper it quietly, but it almost feels like old times. 
 
Not quite, though, like Wimbledon, being used as a government-approved "pilot event", will be missing some old favourites. 
 
The iconic "queue" for daily entry will not form, Henman Hill will be sparsely populated and fans will not have the thrill of bumping into famous players strolling to the grounds from plush rentals in the Village. 
 
Players will all be staying in a central London hotel to minimise the risks of COVID-19 infections. 
 
Crowds will be thinner too with attendances limited to 50% of ground capacity, although hopefully rising to full houses on Centre Court for the men`s and women`s finals on July 10-11. 
 
But after last year`s cancellation, the first since the Second World War, excitement is brewing for a fortnight of grasscourt drama, even if there are notable absentees. 
 
Spaniard Rafa Nadal, whose 2008 final win over Roger Federer is part of Wimbledon folklore, is not playing. Neither is reigning women`s champion Simona Halep nor Japan`s four-times Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. 
 
POSITIVE TEST 
 
British number one Johanna Konta withdrew on the eve of the tournament after a member of her entourage tested positive for COVID-19 -- a worrying start for nervy organisers. 
 
But a high-quality cast has assembled in the biosecure bubble and women`s top seed Ash Barty summed up what Wimbledon means. 
 
"You walk through the gates here at the All England Club and you`re instantly filled with gratitude," the Australian said. 
 
"It was a tournament that was sorely missed last year. Every time you get to walk through these gates, it`s a feeling that you can`t take for granted." 
 
For Murray, who ended a 77-year drought for British men when he won the 2013 title and triumphed again three years later, Wimbledon represents a return to some kind of normality. 
 
The former world number one has not played a singles match at the All England Club since a quarter-final defeat by Sam Querrey in 2017 -- after which his body began to fail and his career appeared to be hanging by a thread. 
 
"I know it`s not normal, but it feels somewhat normal now..., with all the players around and practising, knowing that... we`ll be playing not in front of a full crowd but in front of a lot of people," Murray said. 
 
The 34-year-old will close the schedule on Centre Court against Georgian 24th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili. 
 
Men`s defending champion Novak Djokovic is due to open proceedings on Centre Court against British teenage wildcard Jack Draper as he begins his quest for a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title. 
 
Two-time women`s champion Petra Kvitova is next up against former U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens in the pick of the women`s first-round action.

Murky skies and drizzle could not dampen the enthusiasm of spectators arriving on Monday for the start of the 134th Wimbledon Championships which were cancelled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Murky skies and drizzle could not dampen the enthusiasm of spectators arriving on Monday for the start of the 134th Wimbledon Championships which were cancelled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19 protocols mean this year`s tournament will look and feel a little different -- but one old Wimbledon tradition remained firmly intact with rain delaying the scheduled 1000GMT start on the outside courts. Fittingly for the eagerly-awaited return of the tournament, Andy Murray will resume his role as flag-bearer for the home nation with a prime time engagement later on Centre Court. Whisper it quietly, but it almost feels like old times. Not quite, though, like Wimbledon, being used as a government-approved "pilot event", will be missing some old favourites. The iconic "queue" for daily entry will not form, Henman Hill will be sparsely populated and fans will not have the thrill of bumping into famous players strolling to the grounds from plush rentals in the Village. Players will all be staying in a central London hotel to minimise the risks of COVID-19 infections. Crowds will be thinner too with attendances limited to 50% of ground capacity, although hopefully rising to full houses on Centre Court for the men`s and women`s finals on July 10-11. But after last year`s cancellation, the first since the Second World War, excitement is brewing for a fortnight of grasscourt drama, even if there are notable absentees. Spaniard Rafa Nadal, whose 2008 final win over Roger Federer is part of Wimbledon folklore, is not playing. Neither is reigning women`s champion Simona Halep nor Japan`s four-times Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. POSITIVE TEST British number one Johanna Konta withdrew on the eve of the tournament after a member of her entourage tested positive for COVID-19 -- a worrying start for nervy organisers. But a high-quality cast has assembled in the biosecure bubble and women`s top seed Ash Barty summed up what Wimbledon means. "You walk through the gates here at the All England Club and you`re instantly filled with gratitude," the Australian said. "It was a tournament that was sorely missed last year. Every time you get to walk through these gates, it`s a feeling that you can`t take for granted." For Murray, who ended a 77-year drought for British men when he won the 2013 title and triumphed again three years later, Wimbledon represents a return to some kind of normality. The former world number one has not played a singles match at the All England Club since a quarter-final defeat by Sam Querrey in 2017 -- after which his body began to fail and his career appeared to be hanging by a thread. "I know it`s not normal, but it feels somewhat normal now..., with all the players around and practising, knowing that... we`ll be playing not in front of a full crowd but in front of a lot of people," Murray said. The 34-year-old will close the schedule on Centre Court against Georgian 24th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili. Men`s defending champion Novak Djokovic is due to open proceedings on Centre Court against British teenage wildcard Jack Draper as he begins his quest for a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title. Two-time women`s champion Petra Kvitova is next up against former U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens in the pick of the women`s first-round action.

Tennis- Just like old times as rain delays start of Wimbledon

Estonia`s Anett Kontaveit took a shortcut into the final of the Eastbourne grasscourt tournament as her opponent Camila Giorgi quit during the first set on Friday. 
 
There was no hint of anything wrong with Italian qualifier Giorgi as she broke back to trail 4-5 but she then told the umpire that she had an injury and could not continue. 
 
It was a sad end to a great week for world number 75 Giorgi who had taken out fifth seed Karolina Pliskova and top seed Aryna Sabalenka en route to the last four. 
 
Kontaveit will play either former French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko or Elena Rybakina, who beat Serena Williams at Roland Garros this month, in the final.

Estonia`s Anett Kontaveit took a shortcut into the final of the Eastbourne grasscourt tournament as her opponent Camila Giorgi quit during the first set on Friday.

Estonia`s Anett Kontaveit took a shortcut into the final of the Eastbourne grasscourt tournament as her opponent Camila Giorgi quit during the first set on Friday. There was no hint of anything wrong with Italian qualifier Giorgi as she broke back to trail 4-5 but she then told the umpire that she had an injury and could not continue. It was a sad end to a great week for world number 75 Giorgi who had taken out fifth seed Karolina Pliskova and top seed Aryna Sabalenka en route to the last four. Kontaveit will play either former French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko or Elena Rybakina, who beat Serena Williams at Roland Garros this month, in the final.

Tennis-Kontaveit into Eastbourne final as Giorgi quits

Milos&nbsp;Raonic&nbsp;has withdrawn from the&nbsp;Wimbledon&nbsp;championships this month following a setback in his recovery from a&nbsp;calf&nbsp;injury, the 2016 runner-up said.

The former world number three last competed in the Miami Open Masters 1000 tournament in March where he was beaten by Hubert Hurkacz in the last 16 before missing the entire claycourt season, including the French Open.

"I wanted to share that I am incredibly sad and hurt that I won't be ready to compete at&nbsp;Wimbledon&nbsp;this year," world number 18&nbsp;Raonic&nbsp;said in an Instagram post late on Saturday.

Raonic&nbsp;said that he was targeting a return to action at the grasscourt major but was unable to fully shake off the problem in time.

"I have been working hard to heal it but had a minor setback,"&nbsp;Raonic&nbsp;said.

"Therefore I won't be ready for&nbsp;Wimbledon. I will be working hard to get back as soon as possible."

Former winner and 20-times Grand Slam champion Rafa Nadal as well as the women's world number two Naomi Osaka have also pulled&nbsp;out&nbsp;of the tournament.

Wimbledon&nbsp;was the only Grand Slam to be cancelled in 2020&nbsp;due&nbsp;to the COVID-19 pandemic and will return in its usual slot this year with the main draw starting on June 28.

Milos Raonic has withdrawn from the Wimbledon championships this month following a setback in his recovery from a calf injury, the 2016 runner-up said. The former world number three last competed in the Miami Open Masters 1000 tournament in March where he was beaten by Hubert Hurkacz in the last 16 before missing the entire claycourt season, including the French Open.

Milos Raonic has withdrawn from the Wimbledon championships this month following a setback in his recovery from a calf injury, the 2016 runner-up said. The former world number three last competed in the Miami Open Masters 1000 tournament in March where he was beaten by Hubert Hurkacz in the last 16 before missing the entire claycourt season, including the French Open. "I wanted to share that I am incredibly sad and hurt that I won't be ready to compete at Wimbledon this year," world number 18 Raonic said in an Instagram post late on Saturday. Raonic said that he was targeting a return to action at the grasscourt major but was unable to fully shake off the problem in time. "I have been working hard to heal it but had a minor setback," Raonic said. "Therefore I won't be ready for Wimbledon. I will be working hard to get back as soon as possible." Former winner and 20-times Grand Slam champion Rafa Nadal as well as the women's world number two Naomi Osaka have also pulled out of the tournament. Wimbledon was the only Grand Slam to be cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will return in its usual slot this year with the main draw starting on June 28.

Tennis-Raonic pulls out of Wimbledon due to calf injury

Fourth seed Andrey Rublev churned out another win as he overcame qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1 3-6 6-3 to reach the final in Halle on Saturday. 
 
The Russian dropped his first set this week on the grass but responded to ease through a deciding set and book a Sunday final against either Felix Auger-Aliassime or Ugo Humbert. 
 
Rublev claimed his 33rd match win of the year - second only to Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas (39) on the ATP standings. 
 
He also took his match record in ATP 500 events to 29-2 since the Tour resumed last year after the coronavirus shutdown - a period in which he has won four titles at that level.

Fourth seed Andrey Rublev churned out another win as he overcame qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1 3-6 6-3 to reach the final in Halle on Saturday. The Russian dropped his first set this week on the grass but responded to ease through a deciding set and book a Sunday final against either Felix Auger-Aliassime or Ugo Humbert.

Fourth seed Andrey Rublev churned out another win as he overcame qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1 3-6 6-3 to reach the final in Halle on Saturday. The Russian dropped his first set this week on the grass but responded to ease through a deciding set and book a Sunday final against either Felix Auger-Aliassime or Ugo Humbert. Rublev claimed his 33rd match win of the year - second only to Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas (39) on the ATP standings. He also took his match record in ATP 500 events to 29-2 since the Tour resumed last year after the coronavirus shutdown - a period in which he has won four titles at that level.

Tennis-Rublev through to Halle final

Spain's Rafael <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-merciless-rafael-nadal-marches-into-the-quarter-finals-390087">Nadal</a> entered the French Open semi-final on Wednesday overpowering Argentina's Diego Schwartzman after losing the second set at the Roland Garros in Paris.

Rafael dropped the second set for the first time since 2019 as he battled Schwartzman who hit deep ground strokes after the first set was won by the Spaniard 6-3.

Nadal, 35, who is eying his 14th French Open championship changed gears in the third set as he came back strongly to break Schwartzman to take the set 6-4.

After gathering momentum, the French Open champion breezed past Schwartzman in the fourth set without dropping a game winning the quarterfinal 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0.

"It's always incredible for me to return to the semi-finals for another time," Nadal said, adding," Diego is such an amazing player with so much talent, today was a very difficult challenge."

Nadal will be eyeing his 21st career grand slam at the French Open although he still has two games to play and a potential clash against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-sakkari-krejcikova-into-french-open-last-four-as-djokovic-nadal-eye-blockbuster-390428">&nbsp;Djokovic</a> who takes on Italian ninth seed Matteo Berrettini later on Wednesday in a night encounter.

Nadal has now won an incredible 105 matches and lost just two at the French Open as he seeks to set new records in his favourite surface.

Spain's Rafael Nadal entered the French Open semi-final on Wednesday overpowering Argentina's Diego Schwartzman after losing the second set at the Roland Garros in Paris.

Spain's Rafael Nadal entered the French Open semi-final on Wednesday overpowering Argentina's Diego Schwartzman after losing the second set at the Roland Garros in Paris. Rafael dropped the second set for the first time since 2019 as he battled Schwartzman who hit deep ground strokes after the first set was won by the Spaniard 6-3. Nadal, 35, who is eying his 14th French Open championship changed gears in the third set as he came back strongly to break Schwartzman to take the set 6-4. After gathering momentum, the French Open champion breezed past Schwartzman in the fourth set without dropping a game winning the quarterfinal 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0. "It's always incredible for me to return to the semi-finals for another time," Nadal said, adding," Diego is such an amazing player with so much talent, today was a very difficult challenge." Nadal will be eyeing his 21st career grand slam at the French Open although he still has two games to play and a potential clash against Djokovic who takes on Italian ninth seed Matteo Berrettini later on Wednesday in a night encounter. Nadal has now won an incredible 105 matches and lost just two at the French Open as he seeks to set new records in his favourite surface.

Tennis: Nadal overpowers Schwartzman to enter French Open semi-final

Fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas was handed his first real test at this year's French Open before he subdued big-serving American John Isner 5-7 6-3 7-6(3) 6-1 to move into the fourth round on Friday.

The 22-year-old, who won two titles on clay in the run-up to Roland Garros, had to endure a torrid serving barrage in the opening set but eventually found his stride to set up a fourth-round clash with Spanish 12th seed Pablo Carreno Busta.

"John is a big guy and I can learn a lot playing against him," Tsitsipas said. "His serve was a big obstacle. But things started going my way in the second set. My head cleaned up a bit."

The Greek had to work hard to hold his serve in the first set as his opponent comfortably held his own and earned his first break to go 6-5 up and bag it with his seventh ace.

Tsitsipas had a chance to break early in the second set at 2-1 and 40-0 up on Isner's serve but he squandered all three of his opportunities.

Isner had unsettled his opponent with a mix of drop shots, approach shots and clever volleys but he failed to keep up that momentum when he missed out on converting a rare breakpoint at 3-3.

Tsitsipas then fired himself up with loud screams that bounced off the empty stands on Court Philippe Chatrier.

The fifth seed earned his first break when Isner sunk a volley and Tsitsipas won the set a little later.

"The match was one pattern and it was difficult to adjust. A bit of anger, a bit of frustration and I let it all out and this woke me up, helped me to handle the future situations a bit better," said Tsitsipas.

Both players refused to buckle in the third set and held serve to take it to a tiebreak where Tsitsipas kept his composure, hit two superb backhands to earn a mini-break and nick the set when an Isner forehand sailed long.

Another backhand down the line left Isner frozen on the baseline and sent his opponent 2-0 up in the fourth.

Tsitsipas never looked back, winning the mental battle against his opponent and racing to a 6-1 victory in the fourth to move into the next round.

Fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas was handed his first real test at this year's French Open before he subdued big-serving American John Isner 5-7 6-3 7-6(3) 6-1 to move into the fourth round on Friday.

Fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas was handed his first real test at this year's French Open before he subdued big-serving American John Isner 5-7 6-3 7-6(3) 6-1 to move into the fourth round on Friday. The 22-year-old, who won two titles on clay in the run-up to Roland Garros, had to endure a torrid serving barrage in the opening set but eventually found his stride to set up a fourth-round clash with Spanish 12th seed Pablo Carreno Busta. "John is a big guy and I can learn a lot playing against him," Tsitsipas said. "His serve was a big obstacle. But things started going my way in the second set. My head cleaned up a bit." The Greek had to work hard to hold his serve in the first set as his opponent comfortably held his own and earned his first break to go 6-5 up and bag it with his seventh ace. Tsitsipas had a chance to break early in the second set at 2-1 and 40-0 up on Isner's serve but he squandered all three of his opportunities. Isner had unsettled his opponent with a mix of drop shots, approach shots and clever volleys but he failed to keep up that momentum when he missed out on converting a rare breakpoint at 3-3. Tsitsipas then fired himself up with loud screams that bounced off the empty stands on Court Philippe Chatrier. The fifth seed earned his first break when Isner sunk a volley and Tsitsipas won the set a little later. "The match was one pattern and it was difficult to adjust. A bit of anger, a bit of frustration and I let it all out and this woke me up, helped me to handle the future situations a bit better," said Tsitsipas. Both players refused to buckle in the third set and held serve to take it to a tiebreak where Tsitsipas kept his composure, hit two superb backhands to earn a mini-break and nick the set when an Isner forehand sailed long. Another backhand down the line left Isner frozen on the baseline and sent his opponent 2-0 up in the fourth. Tsitsipas never looked back, winning the mental battle against his opponent and racing to a 6-1 victory in the fourth to move into the next round.

Tennis: Steely Tsitsipas keeps cool to beat Isner in four sets in Roland Garros

Russian tennis player Yana Sizikova was been detained by Paris police on Friday over the suspicion of fixing a doubles match at the French Open 2020.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-nadal-federer-and-djokovic-progress-barty-retires-with-injury-389370" hreflang="en">French Open: Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic progress, Barty retires with injury</a>

Police and a legal source told AFP, the 26-year-old was detained on Thursday night after a match in the ongoing Roland Garros. Sizikova, who is ranked 101st in the women's doubles rankings, was detained as a part of an investigation into possible corruption and fraud, the source in the Paris prosecutor's office said.

According to the German newspaper Die Welt, the tennis player has been caught up in an investigation opened last October by the Paris prosecutor's office for "organized gang fraud" and for "active and passive sports corruption.

Sizikova and her new partner Ekaterina Alexandrova crashed out of the French Open on Thursday after a heavy defeat in the first round of the women's doubles by Aussie pair Storm Sanders and Ajla Tomljanovic. &nbsp;

Sizikova and Alexandrova were defeated within an hour with scores of 1-6, 1-6.&nbsp;

The match under investigation was played last year. It was between Sizikova and her American partner Madison Brengle against Romanian pair Andreea Mitu and Patricia Maria Tig where the Russian player was defeated.

Russian tennis player Yana Sizikova was been detained by Paris police on Friday over the suspicion of fixing a doubles match at the French Open 2020. ALSO READ: French Open: Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic progress, Barty retires with injury Police and a legal source told AFP, the 26-year-old was detained on Thursday night after a match in the ongoing Roland Garros.

Russian tennis player Yana Sizikova was been detained by Paris police on Friday over the suspicion of fixing a doubles match at the French Open 2020. ALSO READ: French Open: Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic progress, Barty retires with injury Police and a legal source told AFP, the 26-year-old was detained on Thursday night after a match in the ongoing Roland Garros. Sizikova, who is ranked 101st in the women's doubles rankings, was detained as a part of an investigation into possible corruption and fraud, the source in the Paris prosecutor's office said. According to the German newspaper Die Welt, the tennis player has been caught up in an investigation opened last October by the Paris prosecutor's office for "organized gang fraud" and for "active and passive sports corruption. Sizikova and her new partner Ekaterina Alexandrova crashed out of the French Open on Thursday after a heavy defeat in the first round of the women's doubles by Aussie pair Storm Sanders and Ajla Tomljanovic. Sizikova and Alexandrova were defeated within an hour with scores of 1-6, 1-6. The match under investigation was played last year. It was between Sizikova and her American partner Madison Brengle against Romanian pair Andreea Mitu and Patricia Maria Tig where the Russian player was defeated.

French Open: Yana Sizikova detained by police over suspected match-fixing

World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev overcame his past struggles on clay to reach the third round of Roland-Garros, and 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams advanced after a second-set scare, as a debate over the complicated relationship between athletes and the media spilt over into another day of competition.

Players' media mandate was yet again under scrutiny as competitors voiced their support for Naomi Osaka but stopped short of publicly backing her press boycott. A reporter briefly lost his press credentials for stating he had logged on to a press conference with German Alexander Zverev from a supermarket.

Medvedev, who had a 0-4 record at Roland-Garros before this latest attempt, kept his bid alive with relative ease to set up a fourth-round clash with American Reilly Opelka, as Williams, who is gunning for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title, fired off five aces to down Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu.

Japan's Kei Nishikori managed to scrape through with a brutal, four-hour, five-set win over Russia's Karen Khachanov, while Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas made light work of Spain's Pedro Martinez in a straight-sets victory.

On the women's side, two-time Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka, 31, showed off her vast experience to take down Danish teenager Clara Tauson in straight sets, while third-seed Aryna Sabalenka defeated her fellow Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich despite a bevy of unforced errors.

DANIIL MEDVEDEV RECOVERS TO DEFEAT PAUL

World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev overcame a slow start to win 3-6 6-1 6-4 6-3 over unseeded American Tommy Paul and advance to the third round, his best showing at Roland-Garros after being knocked out in the first round of the tournament in the four previous years.

SERENA WILLIAMS OVERCOMES BUZARNESCU

Seventh seed Serena Williams has pushed the distance but beat Romania's Mihaela Buzarnescu 6-3 5-7 6-1 to move into the third round where the 39-year-old goes up against fellow American Danielle Collins.

1640 TSITSIPAS ADVANCES

Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Spain's Pedro Martinez 6-3 6-4 6-3 to move into the third round.

Tsitsipas fired eight aces and 45 winners, converting eight of 18 breakpoints.

NISHIKORI WINS FIVE-SET EPIC AGAINST KHACHANOV

Japan's Kei Nishikori battled for four hours on Court Philippe-Chatrier before finally overcoming Russian 23rd seed Karen Khachanov 4-6 6-2 2-6 6-4 6-4. The Japanese will face Switzerland's Henri Laaksonen in round three.

"Trust me, I hate playing five sets. I don't do it on purpose," Nishikori said after a second straight five-setter which took his time on-court at Roland Garros to just over eight hours.

World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev overcame his past struggles on clay to reach the third round of Roland-Garros, and 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams advanced after a second-set scare, as a debate over the complicated relationship between athletes and the media spilt over into another day of competition.

World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev overcame his past struggles on clay to reach the third round of Roland-Garros, and 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams advanced after a second-set scare, as a debate over the complicated relationship between athletes and the media spilt over into another day of competition. Players' media mandate was yet again under scrutiny as competitors voiced their support for Naomi Osaka but stopped short of publicly backing her press boycott. A reporter briefly lost his press credentials for stating he had logged on to a press conference with German Alexander Zverev from a supermarket. Medvedev, who had a 0-4 record at Roland-Garros before this latest attempt, kept his bid alive with relative ease to set up a fourth-round clash with American Reilly Opelka, as Williams, who is gunning for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title, fired off five aces to down Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu. Japan's Kei Nishikori managed to scrape through with a brutal, four-hour, five-set win over Russia's Karen Khachanov, while Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas made light work of Spain's Pedro Martinez in a straight-sets victory. On the women's side, two-time Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka, 31, showed off her vast experience to take down Danish teenager Clara Tauson in straight sets, while third-seed Aryna Sabalenka defeated her fellow Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich despite a bevy of unforced errors. DANIIL MEDVEDEV RECOVERS TO DEFEAT PAUL World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev overcame a slow start to win 3-6 6-1 6-4 6-3 over unseeded American Tommy Paul and advance to the third round, his best showing at Roland-Garros after being knocked out in the first round of the tournament in the four previous years. SERENA WILLIAMS OVERCOMES BUZARNESCU Seventh seed Serena Williams has pushed the distance but beat Romania's Mihaela Buzarnescu 6-3 5-7 6-1 to move into the third round where the 39-year-old goes up against fellow American Danielle Collins. 1640 TSITSIPAS ADVANCES Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Spain's Pedro Martinez 6-3 6-4 6-3 to move into the third round. Tsitsipas fired eight aces and 45 winners, converting eight of 18 breakpoints. NISHIKORI WINS FIVE-SET EPIC AGAINST KHACHANOV Japan's Kei Nishikori battled for four hours on Court Philippe-Chatrier before finally overcoming Russian 23rd seed Karen Khachanov 4-6 6-2 2-6 6-4 6-4. The Japanese will face Switzerland's Henri Laaksonen in round three. "Trust me, I hate playing five sets. I don't do it on purpose," Nishikori said after a second straight five-setter which took his time on-court at Roland Garros to just over eight hours.

Tennis: Medvedev overcomes clay court demons at Roland-Garros, Williams survives scare

Serena Williams continues her latest bid for an elusive 24th Grand Slam singles crown on Wednesday at a French Open now without two of the world's top three ranked women's players.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-after-shock-french-open-withdrawal-osaka-reveals-bouts-of-depression-388742" hreflang="en">Tennis: After shock French Open withdrawal, Osaka reveals 'bouts of depression'</a>

The 39-year-old Williams has already seen two of her likeliest title challengers, who have both beaten her in major finals in recent years, either fail to start the tournament or pull out in unprecedented circumstances.

World number three Simona Halep, the 2018 Roland Garros champion who defeated Williams a year later in the Wimbledon final, withdrew before the event with injury.

The biggest story of the French Open so far has undoubtedly been world number two Naomi Osaka's shock withdrawal after a press boycott, saying she has been suffering with "bouts of depression" since her breakthrough victory over Williams in the controversial 2018 US Open showpiece match.

Serena, who has been one short of Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 Slams since winning the Australian Open four years ago, faces Romania's Mihaela Buzarnescu on Wednesday in the second round.

The American, seeded eighth, saved two set points in the first set of her opening win over Irina-Camelia Begu -- the first ever Roland Garros night match.

"I have to say it was pretty cool to be able to play the first night session ever here at Roland Garros. That was something I thoroughly enjoyed," said Williams, who is back on Chatrier but during the day session against Buzarnescu.

That means she will play in front of a crowd for the first time this week, as the night sessions are currently being played behind closed doors due to the French government-imposed 9pm curfew.

"I wasn't sure why there wasn't a crowd," said the three-time French Open champion.

"I guess it was because there's curfew at 9. It's definitely a little different. Ironically enough night sessions are not my favourite matches, but I do have a good record at it."

In the men's draw, second seed Daniil Medvedev will be hoping to back up his first-ever French Open win by going deep into the tournament.

The two-time Grand Slam runner-up is in the half of the draw without any major champions -- with Dominic Thiem dumped out at the first hurdle and Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer all in the opposite side.

The Russian, who had lost in the opening round on all four of his previous appearances, will face Tommy Paul of the United States for a place in round three in the evening match.

"My opponent can see I was really feeling good," said Medvedev after his straight-sets victory over Alexander Bublik.

"I actually played much better in practice still than today, so there is room for improvement."

Despite Medvedev's loftier ranking, Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas is probably the favourite to reach the final from the bottom half.

The 22-year-old lost an epic five-set semi-final in Paris last October to Djokovic and also made the last four of the Australian Open in February.

Tsitsipas has been in excellent form on clay this year, winning the Monte Carlo Masters, the ATP event in Lyon and reaching the Barcelona Open final, where he lost to Nadal despite holding a match point.

He will take on 103rd-ranked Spaniard Pedro Martinez in round two.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, German sixth seed Alexander Zverev faces Russia's Roman Safiullin, while promising youngsters Casper Ruud and Jannik Sinner play Kamil Majchrzak and Gianluca Mager respectively.

Serena Williams continues her latest bid for an elusive 24th Grand Slam singles crown on Wednesday at a French Open now without two of the world's top three ranked women's players.

Serena Williams continues her latest bid for an elusive 24th Grand Slam singles crown on Wednesday at a French Open now without two of the world's top three ranked women's players. ALSO READ: Tennis: After shock French Open withdrawal, Osaka reveals 'bouts of depression' The 39-year-old Williams has already seen two of her likeliest title challengers, who have both beaten her in major finals in recent years, either fail to start the tournament or pull out in unprecedented circumstances. World number three Simona Halep, the 2018 Roland Garros champion who defeated Williams a year later in the Wimbledon final, withdrew before the event with injury. The biggest story of the French Open so far has undoubtedly been world number two Naomi Osaka's shock withdrawal after a press boycott, saying she has been suffering with "bouts of depression" since her breakthrough victory over Williams in the controversial 2018 US Open showpiece match. Serena, who has been one short of Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 Slams since winning the Australian Open four years ago, faces Romania's Mihaela Buzarnescu on Wednesday in the second round. The American, seeded eighth, saved two set points in the first set of her opening win over Irina-Camelia Begu -- the first ever Roland Garros night match. "I have to say it was pretty cool to be able to play the first night session ever here at Roland Garros. That was something I thoroughly enjoyed," said Williams, who is back on Chatrier but during the day session against Buzarnescu. That means she will play in front of a crowd for the first time this week, as the night sessions are currently being played behind closed doors due to the French government-imposed 9pm curfew. "I wasn't sure why there wasn't a crowd," said the three-time French Open champion. "I guess it was because there's curfew at 9. It's definitely a little different. Ironically enough night sessions are not my favourite matches, but I do have a good record at it." In the men's draw, second seed Daniil Medvedev will be hoping to back up his first-ever French Open win by going deep into the tournament. The two-time Grand Slam runner-up is in the half of the draw without any major champions -- with Dominic Thiem dumped out at the first hurdle and Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer all in the opposite side. The Russian, who had lost in the opening round on all four of his previous appearances, will face Tommy Paul of the United States for a place in round three in the evening match. "My opponent can see I was really feeling good," said Medvedev after his straight-sets victory over Alexander Bublik. "I actually played much better in practice still than today, so there is room for improvement." Despite Medvedev's loftier ranking, Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas is probably the favourite to reach the final from the bottom half. The 22-year-old lost an epic five-set semi-final in Paris last October to Djokovic and also made the last four of the Australian Open in February. Tsitsipas has been in excellent form on clay this year, winning the Monte Carlo Masters, the ATP event in Lyon and reaching the Barcelona Open final, where he lost to Nadal despite holding a match point. He will take on 103rd-ranked Spaniard Pedro Martinez in round two. Elsewhere on Wednesday, German sixth seed Alexander Zverev faces Russia's Roman Safiullin, while promising youngsters Casper Ruud and Jannik Sinner play Kamil Majchrzak and Gianluca Mager respectively.

Tennis: Serena Williams looks to take advantage of open draw at Roland Garros

The mandatory press conferences thrown into the spotlight this week by Naomi Osaka's shock withdrawal from the French Open are usually dull affairs, but occasionally spark tears, angry responses and even the odd heart to heart.

Japanese star Osaka pulled out of Roland Garros after being fined $15,000 and threatened with disqualification by organisers following her refusal to speak to the media.

The 23-year-old four-time Grand Slam champion likened the post-match pressers to "kicking people when they're down".

"I have often felt that people have no regard for athletes' mental health and this rings true whenever I see a press conference or partake in one," Osaka said in her initial statement last week, saying she would not speak to the media.

"We're often sat there and asked questions that we've been asked multiple times before or asked questions that bring doubt into our minds and I am not going to subject myself to people who doubt me."

Her stance has raised questions over whether Osaka, who has been suffering with "bouts of depression" for three years, is an isolated case in feeling anxiety about press conferences, or not.

The toughest time to face the traditional post-match inquisitions tends to be after a defeat, especially after particularly a difficult one to take.

Players other than Osaka have avoided media obligations before -- world number one Novak Djokovic made a hasty exit from Flushing Meadows after his infamous default from last year's US Open.

Others opt to turn up, but answer questions in the most limited way possible.

Venus Williams and Bernard Tomic are among those to have taken the "yes/no" approach.

<h2>- 'Stupidest question I've heard' -</h2>

Sometimes, though, players hit back when faced with questions they deem downright stupid or inappropriate.

"That is the stupidest question I have ever heard," Nick Kyrgios said in January 2020, when asked if it was "possible for Alex de Minaur to beat Nadal".

Even 20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal himself criticised a journalist in 2019 for asking him if his form on court had been affected by getting married.

"Honestly are you asking me this? Is this a serious question or a joke?," retorted the Spaniard, who then called the question "bullshit".

There is no doubt that sometimes players face inappropriate questions -- Simona Halep was once asked if her breast reduction had "served her on the court or outside".

Sometimes the questions are just bizarre, like when Stan Wawrinka was asked about "what Martin Luther King would have looked like on Twitter".

It is the pain of fielding questions after a painful loss that Osaka referenced, shown by the tears of Gael Monfils at the Australian Open in February.

"Every time I arrive here, I feel judged. They tell me: 'You lost again, why?'. I am already on the ground and you shoot me," said the Frenchman in despair after a first-round exit.

"There's a sense of voyeurism around how it presently works," wrote Peter Terry, a professor of psychology at the University of Southern Queensland in Australia on theconversation.com, on Tuesday.

"Perhaps some want to see athletes crumble and break down into tears, having put them on a pedestal."

Serena Williams, bidding for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title in Paris this fortnight, admitted that she too has felt anxious before press conferences.

"I've been where I've been very difficult to walk in (to press conferences) in those moments. But, you know, it made me stronger," she said on Tuesday.

Daniil Medvedev, known for his often unpredictable personality on court, believes that sometimes the post-match interviews help him.

"When I'm in a bad mood, sometimes I'm in a better mood after talking to you," he told reporters.

But for most players, like world number one Ashleigh Barty, speaking to the press is just "part of the job".&nbsp;

Whether or not always being obliged to speak to media remains part of the job is a question now being asked in light of Osaka's revelations.

The mandatory press conferences thrown into the spotlight this week by Naomi Osaka's shock withdrawal from the French Open are usually dull affairs, but occasionally spark tears, angry responses and even the odd heart to heart.

The mandatory press conferences thrown into the spotlight this week by Naomi Osaka's shock withdrawal from the French Open are usually dull affairs, but occasionally spark tears, angry responses and even the odd heart to heart. Japanese star Osaka pulled out of Roland Garros after being fined $15,000 and threatened with disqualification by organisers following her refusal to speak to the media. The 23-year-old four-time Grand Slam champion likened the post-match pressers to "kicking people when they're down". "I have often felt that people have no regard for athletes' mental health and this rings true whenever I see a press conference or partake in one," Osaka said in her initial statement last week, saying she would not speak to the media. "We're often sat there and asked questions that we've been asked multiple times before or asked questions that bring doubt into our minds and I am not going to subject myself to people who doubt me." Her stance has raised questions over whether Osaka, who has been suffering with "bouts of depression" for three years, is an isolated case in feeling anxiety about press conferences, or not. The toughest time to face the traditional post-match inquisitions tends to be after a defeat, especially after particularly a difficult one to take. Players other than Osaka have avoided media obligations before -- world number one Novak Djokovic made a hasty exit from Flushing Meadows after his infamous default from last year's US Open. Others opt to turn up, but answer questions in the most limited way possible. Venus Williams and Bernard Tomic are among those to have taken the "yes/no" approach. - 'Stupidest question I've heard' - Sometimes, though, players hit back when faced with questions they deem downright stupid or inappropriate. "That is the stupidest question I have ever heard," Nick Kyrgios said in January 2020, when asked if it was "possible for Alex de Minaur to beat Nadal". Even 20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal himself criticised a journalist in 2019 for asking him if his form on court had been affected by getting married. "Honestly are you asking me this? Is this a serious question or a joke?," retorted the Spaniard, who then called the question "bullshit". There is no doubt that sometimes players face inappropriate questions -- Simona Halep was once asked if her breast reduction had "served her on the court or outside". Sometimes the questions are just bizarre, like when Stan Wawrinka was asked about "what Martin Luther King would have looked like on Twitter". It is the pain of fielding questions after a painful loss that Osaka referenced, shown by the tears of Gael Monfils at the Australian Open in February. "Every time I arrive here, I feel judged. They tell me: 'You lost again, why?'. I am already on the ground and you shoot me," said the Frenchman in despair after a first-round exit. "There's a sense of voyeurism around how it presently works," wrote Peter Terry, a professor of psychology at the University of Southern Queensland in Australia on theconversation.com, on Tuesday. "Perhaps some want to see athletes crumble and break down into tears, having put them on a pedestal." Serena Williams, bidding for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title in Paris this fortnight, admitted that she too has felt anxious before press conferences. "I've been where I've been very difficult to walk in (to press conferences) in those moments. But, you know, it made me stronger," she said on Tuesday. Daniil Medvedev, known for his often unpredictable personality on court, believes that sometimes the post-match interviews help him. "When I'm in a bad mood, sometimes I'm in a better mood after talking to you," he told reporters. But for most players, like world number one Ashleigh Barty, speaking to the press is just "part of the job". Whether or not always being obliged to speak to media remains part of the job is a question now being asked in light of Osaka's revelations.

Bizarre questions, tears and anger: Tennis players and press conferences

World number two Daniil Medvedev has never won a match at the French Open, yet the Russian is feeling confident ahead of the claycourt Grand Slam, which starts on Sunday. 
 
Medvedev lost all his four first-round matches at Roland Garros since his debut in 2017 and has only one win to his name on clay this season. 
 
"I have to say coming here was my first practice yesterday, I was playing amazing so far," Medvedev, who will start his campaign against Kazakhstan`s Alexander Bublik, told a news conference on Friday. 
 
"I feel like, I don`t know if maybe the balls change or it`s the conditions, because last year we had these Wilson balls which are supposed to suit me, but it was like five degrees when I played my match so I had almost no chance to do anything against a great player like (Marton) Fucsovics." 
 
The 25-year-old Medvedev, who has played Grand Slam finals at the Australian and U.S. Opens, is certainly expecting to go through to the second round at Roland Garros. 
 
"So far I have been playing amazing. I could play -- I mean, I didn`t feel that it was clay. I was playing like on hard courts, and hopefully, I mean, have some expectations," he said. 
 
"Most important is to play good, have a player that also doesn`t like clay, but again, he will like the conditions here. I really like the conditions here so far, and looking forward to make a great tournament, to be honest."

World number two Daniil Medvedev has never won a match at the French Open, yet the Russian is feeling confident ahead of the claycourt Grand Slam, which starts on Sunday.

World number two Daniil Medvedev has never won a match at the French Open, yet the Russian is feeling confident ahead of the claycourt Grand Slam, which starts on Sunday. Medvedev lost all his four first-round matches at Roland Garros since his debut in 2017 and has only one win to his name on clay this season. "I have to say coming here was my first practice yesterday, I was playing amazing so far," Medvedev, who will start his campaign against Kazakhstan`s Alexander Bublik, told a news conference on Friday. "I feel like, I don`t know if maybe the balls change or it`s the conditions, because last year we had these Wilson balls which are supposed to suit me, but it was like five degrees when I played my match so I had almost no chance to do anything against a great player like (Marton) Fucsovics." The 25-year-old Medvedev, who has played Grand Slam finals at the Australian and U.S. Opens, is certainly expecting to go through to the second round at Roland Garros. "So far I have been playing amazing. I could play -- I mean, I didn`t feel that it was clay. I was playing like on hard courts, and hopefully, I mean, have some expectations," he said. "Most important is to play good, have a player that also doesn`t like clay, but again, he will like the conditions here. I really like the conditions here so far, and looking forward to make a great tournament, to be honest."

Tennis: Serial French Open loser Medvedev looking to finally clear first hurdle

&nbsp;U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem heads to Roland Garros short on preparation and low on confidence after crashing out in straight sets to Britain's Cameron Norrie in his opening match in Lyon.

The world number four, a French Open finalist in 2018 and 2019, losing both to Rafa Nadal, was sidelined for two months by a foot problem and returned to the Tour at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Madrid.

The 27-year-old made an encouraging return, making the semi-finals in Madrid earlier this month, but then lost in the third round in Rome last week and took a wildcard for Lyon to get some matches under his belt before the claycourt major.

"It was a huge disappointment just now. Just also a big step backwards after promising tournaments in Madrid and Rome," Thiem told reporters after his 6-3 6-2 defeat to world number 49 Norrie on Thursday.

"I don't really know why. I was preparing well here, practicing well, and just didn't find any rhythm and strokes.

"I was hoping to take the little positive signs from Madrid and Rome here, but it didn't work out. I have to analyze now and look (towards) Roland Garros."

After the high of winning his maiden Grand Slam in New York last year, Thiem has had a difficult 2021 season.

The Austrian had one win in two matches in the ATP Cup before a fourth-round exit at the Australian Open. Thiem then lost in the quarter-final in Doha and bowed out in his first match in Dubai the following week.

"It's not good for the confidence. To be honest, the way I played today, I was expecting that to come more in Madrid because I hadn't played for so long," said Thiem.

"But now I was back in the match rhythm and actually hoping for good&nbsp;tennis. I need to find a way back somehow.

"The next match is already the first round at Roland Garros and until that day I need to hopefully sort it out."

U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem heads to Roland Garros short on preparation and low on confidence after crashing out in straight sets to Britain's Cameron Norrie in his opening match in Lyon.

U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem heads to Roland Garros short on preparation and low on confidence after crashing out in straight sets to Britain's Cameron Norrie in his opening match in Lyon. The world number four, a French Open finalist in 2018 and 2019, losing both to Rafa Nadal, was sidelined for two months by a foot problem and returned to the Tour at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Madrid. The 27-year-old made an encouraging return, making the semi-finals in Madrid earlier this month, but then lost in the third round in Rome last week and took a wildcard for Lyon to get some matches under his belt before the claycourt major. "It was a huge disappointment just now. Just also a big step backwards after promising tournaments in Madrid and Rome," Thiem told reporters after his 6-3 6-2 defeat to world number 49 Norrie on Thursday. "I don't really know why. I was preparing well here, practicing well, and just didn't find any rhythm and strokes. "I was hoping to take the little positive signs from Madrid and Rome here, but it didn't work out. I have to analyze now and look (towards) Roland Garros." After the high of winning his maiden Grand Slam in New York last year, Thiem has had a difficult 2021 season. The Austrian had one win in two matches in the ATP Cup before a fourth-round exit at the Australian Open. Thiem then lost in the quarter-final in Doha and bowed out in his first match in Dubai the following week. "It's not good for the confidence. To be honest, the way I played today, I was expecting that to come more in Madrid because I hadn't played for so long," said Thiem. "But now I was back in the match rhythm and actually hoping for good tennis. I need to find a way back somehow. "The next match is already the first round at Roland Garros and until that day I need to hopefully sort it out."

Tennis: Dominic Thiem heads to Roland Garros short on confidence, matches

The 'Big Three' of men's tennis have found some "fresh energy" to thwart the charge of younger players on the tour, world number one Novak Djokovic said after setting up yet another title clash against his biggest rival against Rafa Nadal.

The last four ATP Masters 1000 events, the most prestigious tournaments outside the Grand Slams, have been won by players outside the grouping of Djokovic, Nadal and Roger Federer.

But it will be top seed Djokovic facing second seed Nadal at the Foro Italico on Sunday for the Rome Masters title in a 57th career meeting between the duo, with the Serbian leading 29-27.

"Rafa and I had a little laugh today in the locker room after I won against (Stefanos) Tsitsipas," Djokovic, 33, told reporters after his semi-final win against local favourite Lorenzo Sonego.

"We kind of joked around that the old guys are still not giving up. I saw he said somewhere a few days ago that Roger, him and I are old, but I disagree with him. I think we're showing some different, fresh energy.

"We had a laugh about it...I'm really glad that we are showing we're not backing off from the NextGenATP attacks."

Russian Daniil Medvedev, 25, won the ATP Finals and the Paris Masters titles last year and has already displaced the 34-year-old Nadal from second spot in the rankings.

Hubert Hurkacz, Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev have won the three Masters events this year with Greek Tsitsipas the youngest of them, at 22.

But Djokovic and Nadal will return to the Masters winners' circle on Sunday, having survived some stern tests during their previous rounds in Rome.

"It's great to play him again in the final," Djokovic said of the 20-times major winner. "He's the guy that I have encountered the most in my career. Definitely my biggest rival of all time.

"Playing him on clay in the finals of one of the biggest tournaments in the world is always extra motivating for me. Even after all we have been through in our careers, there's still this excitement when we have to face each other."

The 'Big Three' of men's tennis have found some "fresh energy" to thwart the charge of younger players on the tour, world number one Novak Djokovic said after setting up yet another title clash against his biggest rival against Rafa Nadal.

The 'Big Three' of men's tennis have found some "fresh energy" to thwart the charge of younger players on the tour, world number one Novak Djokovic said after setting up yet another title clash against his biggest rival against Rafa Nadal. The last four ATP Masters 1000 events, the most prestigious tournaments outside the Grand Slams, have been won by players outside the grouping of Djokovic, Nadal and Roger Federer. But it will be top seed Djokovic facing second seed Nadal at the Foro Italico on Sunday for the Rome Masters title in a 57th career meeting between the duo, with the Serbian leading 29-27. "Rafa and I had a little laugh today in the locker room after I won against (Stefanos) Tsitsipas," Djokovic, 33, told reporters after his semi-final win against local favourite Lorenzo Sonego. "We kind of joked around that the old guys are still not giving up. I saw he said somewhere a few days ago that Roger, him and I are old, but I disagree with him. I think we're showing some different, fresh energy. "We had a laugh about it...I'm really glad that we are showing we're not backing off from the NextGenATP attacks." Russian Daniil Medvedev, 25, won the ATP Finals and the Paris Masters titles last year and has already displaced the 34-year-old Nadal from second spot in the rankings. Hubert Hurkacz, Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev have won the three Masters events this year with Greek Tsitsipas the youngest of them, at 22. But Djokovic and Nadal will return to the Masters winners' circle on Sunday, having survived some stern tests during their previous rounds in Rome. "It's great to play him again in the final," Djokovic said of the 20-times major winner. "He's the guy that I have encountered the most in my career. Definitely my biggest rival of all time. "Playing him on clay in the finals of one of the biggest tournaments in the world is always extra motivating for me. Even after all we have been through in our careers, there's still this excitement when we have to face each other."

'Big Three' getting old? Novak Djokovic doesn't think so

Andy Murray has decided to miss the French Open as he continues to recover from a groin injury and he will focus on the grasscourt swing instead, British media reported on Saturday.

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He&nbsp;won't contend at Roland Garros this year in the wake of experiencing some inconvenience during the ATP Masters 1000 occasion in Rome and will rather endeavour to get back to singles during the impending grass season and Wimbledon.

The former world number one has not played a singles match since March when he pulled out of the Miami Open due to a groin injury. He made a comeback in Rome at the Italian Open but only played in the doubles competition where he was knocked out in the last 16.

Murray ranked 123rd in the world after long layoffs due to hip injuries was set to enter the qualifying rounds for the French Open as he waited for organizers to decide on whether he would receive a wildcard.

The 34-year-old Scot, a three-time Grand Slam champion, was expected to make his singles comeback at claycourt tournaments in either Geneva or Lyon next week but his name was not on the list of wildcards.&nbsp;Five months into the season, Murray has competed in singles at only two ATP tournaments and he has admitted to his morale faltering after so many days in rehab at home. It seems imperative that he is ready to compete in three weeks.

The grasscourt swing begins next month.

Wimbledon, a tournament Murray has won twice, begins on June 28.

Andy Murray has decided to miss the French Open as he continues to recover from a groin injury and he will focus on the grasscourt swing instead, British media reported on Saturday.

Andy Murray has decided to miss the French Open as he continues to recover from a groin injury and he will focus on the grasscourt swing instead, British media reported on Saturday. ALSO READ: 'What dreams are made of': Schmeichel hails Leicester history makers He won't contend at Roland Garros this year in the wake of experiencing some inconvenience during the ATP Masters 1000 occasion in Rome and will rather endeavour to get back to singles during the impending grass season and Wimbledon. The former world number one has not played a singles match since March when he pulled out of the Miami Open due to a groin injury. He made a comeback in Rome at the Italian Open but only played in the doubles competition where he was knocked out in the last 16. Murray ranked 123rd in the world after long layoffs due to hip injuries was set to enter the qualifying rounds for the French Open as he waited for organizers to decide on whether he would receive a wildcard. The 34-year-old Scot, a three-time Grand Slam champion, was expected to make his singles comeback at claycourt tournaments in either Geneva or Lyon next week but his name was not on the list of wildcards. Five months into the season, Murray has competed in singles at only two ATP tournaments and he has admitted to his morale faltering after so many days in rehab at home. It seems imperative that he is ready to compete in three weeks. The grasscourt swing begins next month. Wimbledon, a tournament Murray has won twice, begins on June 28.

Andy Murray to skip French Open and prepare for grass court season

Second-seeded Rafael Nadal raced out to a quick start and posted a 6-3, 6-4 win over sixth-seeded Alexander Zverev of Germany in the quarterfinals of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia on Friday.

The Spaniard won the first four games in the first set and saved all eight break points he faced in the second to continue his pursuit of the 10th title in Rome.

The convincing two-hour victory was appreciated by Nadal, who snapped a three-match losing skid to Zverev -- including a straight-set defeat at the Mutua Madrid Open last week.

"I think I played more solid than in Madrid. At the same time, conditions are different," said Nadal, who was referring to the high altitude of the Spanish capital.

"In Madrid, he was able to create a lot of damage with his serve and then with the first shot. Here, the situation is a little bit different. (These are) a little bit more normal conditions on the clay, so I was able to control a little bit more the game than in Madrid."\

Nadal, 34, benefited from six aces to dispatch Zverev, who won the tournament in Madrid.

Nadal will face Reilly Opelka, who advanced to his first Masters semifinals with a 7-5, 7-6 (2) victory over Argentine Federico Delbonis on Friday.

"(I will face) a big chance against a player who has almost an unreturnable serve. (Reilly) is playing well," Nadal said. "I need to be very focused with my serve and then try to be ready to accept (the situation) and be (engaged) on the return. That is what I am looking for."

The 6-foot-11 Opelka recorded 18 aces and saved all four break points he faced to win his match in one hour and 41 minutes.

"I am surprised (to reach my first Masters 1000 semifinal here). Clay is not really my thing," the 47th-ranked Opelka said in his post-match interview. "(It is) not much of an American thing. It is probably just a fluke, but I'll run with it."

Top seed and world No. 1 Novak Djokovic's quarterfinal match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece was suspended due to rain with the latter leading 6-4, 2-1 and up a break in the second set. The match will resume on Saturday.

Russian Andrey Rublev's match versus Italian Lorenzo Sonego didn't get started.

Second-seeded Rafael Nadal raced out to a quick start and posted a 6-3, 6-4 win over sixth-seeded Alexander Zverev of Germany in the quarterfinals of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia on Friday.

Second-seeded Rafael Nadal raced out to a quick start and posted a 6-3, 6-4 win over sixth-seeded Alexander Zverev of Germany in the quarterfinals of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia on Friday. The Spaniard won the first four games in the first set and saved all eight break points he faced in the second to continue his pursuit of the 10th title in Rome. The convincing two-hour victory was appreciated by Nadal, who snapped a three-match losing skid to Zverev -- including a straight-set defeat at the Mutua Madrid Open last week. "I think I played more solid than in Madrid. At the same time, conditions are different," said Nadal, who was referring to the high altitude of the Spanish capital. "In Madrid, he was able to create a lot of damage with his serve and then with the first shot. Here, the situation is a little bit different. (These are) a little bit more normal conditions on the clay, so I was able to control a little bit more the game than in Madrid."\ Nadal, 34, benefited from six aces to dispatch Zverev, who won the tournament in Madrid. Nadal will face Reilly Opelka, who advanced to his first Masters semifinals with a 7-5, 7-6 (2) victory over Argentine Federico Delbonis on Friday. "(I will face) a big chance against a player who has almost an unreturnable serve. (Reilly) is playing well," Nadal said. "I need to be very focused with my serve and then try to be ready to accept (the situation) and be (engaged) on the return. That is what I am looking for." The 6-foot-11 Opelka recorded 18 aces and saved all four break points he faced to win his match in one hour and 41 minutes. "I am surprised (to reach my first Masters 1000 semifinal here). Clay is not really my thing," the 47th-ranked Opelka said in his post-match interview. "(It is) not much of an American thing. It is probably just a fluke, but I'll run with it." Top seed and world No. 1 Novak Djokovic's quarterfinal match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece was suspended due to rain with the latter leading 6-4, 2-1 and up a break in the second set. The match will resume on Saturday. Russian Andrey Rublev's match versus Italian Lorenzo Sonego didn't get started.

Fast start fuels Rafael Nadal to victory in Rome

Tennis great Roger Federer has called on&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;organizers to end the uncertainty around the Tokyo Games, with the 20-times Grand Slam winner saying he was still in two minds whether to compete.

The&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;are set to run from July 23 to Aug. 8 after being postponed in March last year over the coronavirus pandemic.

But Japan, battling a surge of infections, has extended until the end of May a state of emergency in its capital, Tokyo, and three areas.

"Honestly I don't know what to think. I'm a bit between the two," Federer, who won a doubles gold in the 2008 Beijing Games and a silver in singles four years later in London, told Swiss television station Leman Bleu on Friday.

"I would love to play in the&nbsp;Olympics, win a medal for Switzerland. It would make me especially proud. But if it doesn't happen because of the situation, I would be the first to understand.

"I think what the athletes need is a decision: is it going to happen or is it not going to happen?

"At the moment, we have the impression that it will happen. We know it's a fluid situation. And you can also decide as an athlete if you want to go. If you feel there's a lot of resistance, maybe it's better not to go. I don't know."

A petition calling for the cancellation of the rescheduled Games garnered 350,000 signatures in nine days and was submitted to organizers on Friday, raising new questions about whether the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;should go ahead.

Rafa Nadal, who is tied with Federer at 20 for the most Grand Slam singles titles in men's tennis, and 23-times Grand Slam winner Serena Williams this week said they were still unsure of competing in Tokyo.

Japan's top-ranked women's and men's tennis players - Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori - also added their voice to the concerns, saying the risks of holding the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;amid the pandemic should continue to be carefully discussed.

Federer, a father of four, said he had taken the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine.

"I'm glad that I could do it, with all the traveling I do," said Federer, who will play the Geneva Open next week, his second tournament since returning in March after a year out due to knee problems.

"Even if I'm staying in Switzerland, I think there are advantages. Above all, I did it for others because I don't want to give it to anyone else, even if I still remain very careful.

"We're very careful with the family and with our friends."

Tennis great Roger Federer has called on Olympics organizers to end the uncertainty around the Tokyo Games, with the 20-times Grand Slam winner saying he was still in two minds whether to compete.

Tennis great Roger Federer has called on Olympics organizers to end the uncertainty around the Tokyo Games, with the 20-times Grand Slam winner saying he was still in two minds whether to compete. The Olympics are set to run from July 23 to Aug. 8 after being postponed in March last year over the coronavirus pandemic. But Japan, battling a surge of infections, has extended until the end of May a state of emergency in its capital, Tokyo, and three areas. "Honestly I don't know what to think. I'm a bit between the two," Federer, who won a doubles gold in the 2008 Beijing Games and a silver in singles four years later in London, told Swiss television station Leman Bleu on Friday. "I would love to play in the Olympics, win a medal for Switzerland. It would make me especially proud. But if it doesn't happen because of the situation, I would be the first to understand. "I think what the athletes need is a decision: is it going to happen or is it not going to happen? "At the moment, we have the impression that it will happen. We know it's a fluid situation. And you can also decide as an athlete if you want to go. If you feel there's a lot of resistance, maybe it's better not to go. I don't know." A petition calling for the cancellation of the rescheduled Games garnered 350,000 signatures in nine days and was submitted to organizers on Friday, raising new questions about whether the Olympics should go ahead. Rafa Nadal, who is tied with Federer at 20 for the most Grand Slam singles titles in men's tennis, and 23-times Grand Slam winner Serena Williams this week said they were still unsure of competing in Tokyo. Japan's top-ranked women's and men's tennis players - Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori - also added their voice to the concerns, saying the risks of holding the Olympics amid the pandemic should continue to be carefully discussed. Federer, a father of four, said he had taken the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine. "I'm glad that I could do it, with all the traveling I do," said Federer, who will play the Geneva Open next week, his second tournament since returning in March after a year out due to knee problems. "Even if I'm staying in Switzerland, I think there are advantages. Above all, I did it for others because I don't want to give it to anyone else, even if I still remain very careful. "We're very careful with the family and with our friends."

Roger Federer calls for end to Tokyo Games uncertainty

Alexander Zverev avenged his defeat by Dominic Thiem in last year's U.S. Open final in clinical fashion on Saturday, beating the Austrian 6-3 6-4 to reach the final of the Madrid Open.

Zverev, who beat top seed and tournament favourite Rafa Nadal in straight sets in the quarter-finals on Friday, will meet Matteo Berrettini in Sunday's final after the Italian beat Norway's Casper Ruud 6-4 6-4 in the second semi-final.

Germany's Zverev, who was champion in Madrid in 2018, made a strong start, breaking Thiem early in each set in what turned out to be a routine victory, despite a swirling wind at Caja Magica.

"I'm quite happy to win this one," fifth seed Zverev said in a courtside interview. "We've had some fantastic matches. I think we played the biggest matches in the world.

"We've played Masters finals, Grand Slam finals, we're still developing, we're going to go on for a few more years and hopefully we'll play a few more amazing matches.

"I'm definitely looking forward to playing in another big (Grand Slam) final and I hope I can turn it my way this time."

Thiem held an 8-2 head-to-head advantage over Zverev coming into the semi-final, winning their last four meetings, including his come-from-behind victory at last year's U.S. Open where he claimed his first major title.

The third seed's only defeat to Zverev on clay was in the final in Madrid two years ago, but he never really settled into his stride on Saturday, struggling with his first serve and making 20 unforced errors, including three double faults.

Zverev, on the other hand, sent down six aces and 25 winners as he cruised to victory.

"It was a little bit of a weirder match than against Rafa," the German added. "I feel like the conditions were difficult. It was clearly windy today. Sometimes (that's) not easy but I'm definitely happy with the win."

Eighth seed Berrettini, who has dropped only one set in the tournament, will be aiming to win his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title against Zverev on Sunday.

"I saw him (Zverev), he's playing really good," said Berrettini, who sent down five aces against Ruud.

"He beat Rafa (Nadal) and Dominic (Thiem), probably the best players on clay. It's going to be a challenging match."

Alexander Zverev avenged his defeat by Dominic Thiem in last year's U.S. Open final in clinical fashion on Saturday, beating the Austrian 6-3 6-4 to reach the final of the Madrid Open.

Alexander Zverev avenged his defeat by Dominic Thiem in last year's U.S. Open final in clinical fashion on Saturday, beating the Austrian 6-3 6-4 to reach the final of the Madrid Open. Zverev, who beat top seed and tournament favourite Rafa Nadal in straight sets in the quarter-finals on Friday, will meet Matteo Berrettini in Sunday's final after the Italian beat Norway's Casper Ruud 6-4 6-4 in the second semi-final. Germany's Zverev, who was champion in Madrid in 2018, made a strong start, breaking Thiem early in each set in what turned out to be a routine victory, despite a swirling wind at Caja Magica. "I'm quite happy to win this one," fifth seed Zverev said in a courtside interview. "We've had some fantastic matches. I think we played the biggest matches in the world. "We've played Masters finals, Grand Slam finals, we're still developing, we're going to go on for a few more years and hopefully we'll play a few more amazing matches. "I'm definitely looking forward to playing in another big (Grand Slam) final and I hope I can turn it my way this time." Thiem held an 8-2 head-to-head advantage over Zverev coming into the semi-final, winning their last four meetings, including his come-from-behind victory at last year's U.S. Open where he claimed his first major title. The third seed's only defeat to Zverev on clay was in the final in Madrid two years ago, but he never really settled into his stride on Saturday, struggling with his first serve and making 20 unforced errors, including three double faults. Zverev, on the other hand, sent down six aces and 25 winners as he cruised to victory. "It was a little bit of a weirder match than against Rafa," the German added. "I feel like the conditions were difficult. It was clearly windy today. Sometimes (that's) not easy but I'm definitely happy with the win." Eighth seed Berrettini, who has dropped only one set in the tournament, will be aiming to win his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title against Zverev on Sunday. "I saw him (Zverev), he's playing really good," said Berrettini, who sent down five aces against Ruud. "He beat Rafa (Nadal) and Dominic (Thiem), probably the best players on clay. It's going to be a challenging match."

Alex Zverev puts on Madrid masterclass to book Berrettini clash in final

Britain's Andy Murray will practise with world number one Novak Djokovic and Argentine Diego Schwartzman in Rome on Sunday as part of plans to return to the ATP Tour after an injury lay-off.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafa-nadal-defeated-by-zverev-in-madrid-open-quarters-383614" hreflang="en">Rafa Nadal defeated by Zverev in Madrid Open quarters</a>

Three-times Grand Slam champion Murray, who has fallen to 123 in the world rankings after long injury lay-offs because of hip surgeries, is hoping to receive a wild card to play in either of the ATP events in Geneva or Lyon from May 17.

Murray last played at the Rotterdam Open where he was beaten by Russian Andrey Rublev on March 3 before pulling out of the Miami Open later that month due to a groin injury.

The 33-year-old said scans revealed the injury did not appear to be serious and he will travel to Rome on Saturday to train with top players who are participating at the Italian Open.

"On Sunday I've got a court booked with (Diego) Schwartzman and then Novak in the afternoon," Murray said.

"I want to play against the highest level players possible because I think that will help me improve my game quicker."

The Scot said he does not know if he will receive a wild card for the French Open, which is due to begin in Paris on May 30.

"I don't mind if they don't want to give me a wild card, that's fine, they can give them to whoever they want to," said Murray, who has played only three tournaments this year.

"It just makes it a bit tricky with planning, but we should find out in the next week or so."

Britain's Andy Murray will practise with world number one Novak Djokovic and Argentine Diego Schwartzman in Rome on Sunday as part of plans to return to the ATP Tour after an injury lay-off.

Britain's Andy Murray will practise with world number one Novak Djokovic and Argentine Diego Schwartzman in Rome on Sunday as part of plans to return to the ATP Tour after an injury lay-off. ALSO READ: Rafa Nadal defeated by Zverev in Madrid Open quarters Three-times Grand Slam champion Murray, who has fallen to 123 in the world rankings after long injury lay-offs because of hip surgeries, is hoping to receive a wild card to play in either of the ATP events in Geneva or Lyon from May 17. Murray last played at the Rotterdam Open where he was beaten by Russian Andrey Rublev on March 3 before pulling out of the Miami Open later that month due to a groin injury. The 33-year-old said scans revealed the injury did not appear to be serious and he will travel to Rome on Saturday to train with top players who are participating at the Italian Open. "On Sunday I've got a court booked with (Diego) Schwartzman and then Novak in the afternoon," Murray said. "I want to play against the highest level players possible because I think that will help me improve my game quicker." The Scot said he does not know if he will receive a wild card for the French Open, which is due to begin in Paris on May 30. "I don't mind if they don't want to give me a wild card, that's fine, they can give them to whoever they want to," said Murray, who has played only three tournaments this year. "It just makes it a bit tricky with planning, but we should find out in the next week or so."

Murray to practise with Djokovic in Rome before return from injury

Rafael Nadal trounced compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta to reach his 12th Barcelona final where he will face Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Greek star who stunned the great Spaniard from two sets down in this year's Australian Open.

Top seed Nadal, an 11-time champion in Barcelona, eased to a 6-3, 6-2 win over world number 13 Carreno Busta in 90 minutes.

It was Nadal's eighth win in eight meetings against his 29-year-old Davis Cup teammate and his 65th in Barcelona.

"Tomorrow will be a very tough one. Stefanos is playing probably better than ever," said Nadal, who broke serve four times and hit 13 forehand winners in the semi-final.

"Not one set lost in Monte Carlo and here, so it will be the toughest opponent possible. I hope to be ready. It is going to be a tough one, but I need to be ready to increase my level and let's see."

He added: "I'm very happy to be back in a final here at an historic event, a home event, an important one for me."

Nadal defeated Tsitsipas in the 2018 Barcelona final for the loss of just three games.

However, world number five Tsitsipas beat Nadal on clay in the Madrid semi-finals in 2019.

The 22-year-old Greek then recovered from two sets to love down to defeat Nadal in the last eight at the Australian Open in February.

Tsitsipas, winner of his first Masters 1000 event in Monte Carlo last week, booked his place in a second successive final when he beat Italian teenager Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-3 in his semi-final on Saturday.

"It feels great to be back in the final. I will try to redeem myself from last time," said Tsitsipas.&nbsp;

Tsitsipas could only convert one of six break points in the first set but it was enough for him to take it in 41 minutes.

He had to save two break points at 1-2 in the second before going on to break Sinner twice to seal the match.

Tsitsipas has now won nine straight matches without dropping a single set.

Rafael Nadal trounced compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta to reach his 12th Barcelona final where he will face Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Greek star who stunned the great Spaniard from two sets down in this year's Australian Open.

Rafael Nadal trounced compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta to reach his 12th Barcelona final where he will face Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Greek star who stunned the great Spaniard from two sets down in this year's Australian Open. Top seed Nadal, an 11-time champion in Barcelona, eased to a 6-3, 6-2 win over world number 13 Carreno Busta in 90 minutes. It was Nadal's eighth win in eight meetings against his 29-year-old Davis Cup teammate and his 65th in Barcelona. "Tomorrow will be a very tough one. Stefanos is playing probably better than ever," said Nadal, who broke serve four times and hit 13 forehand winners in the semi-final. "Not one set lost in Monte Carlo and here, so it will be the toughest opponent possible. I hope to be ready. It is going to be a tough one, but I need to be ready to increase my level and let's see." He added: "I'm very happy to be back in a final here at an historic event, a home event, an important one for me." Nadal defeated Tsitsipas in the 2018 Barcelona final for the loss of just three games. However, world number five Tsitsipas beat Nadal on clay in the Madrid semi-finals in 2019. The 22-year-old Greek then recovered from two sets to love down to defeat Nadal in the last eight at the Australian Open in February. Tsitsipas, winner of his first Masters 1000 event in Monte Carlo last week, booked his place in a second successive final when he beat Italian teenager Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-3 in his semi-final on Saturday. "It feels great to be back in the final. I will try to redeem myself from last time," said Tsitsipas. Tsitsipas could only convert one of six break points in the first set but it was enough for him to take it in 41 minutes. He had to save two break points at 1-2 in the second before going on to break Sinner twice to seal the match. Tsitsipas has now won nine straight matches without dropping a single set.

Nadal into 12th Barcelona final, faces 'better than ever' Tsitsipas

Italian 19-year-old Jannik Sinner became the Barcelona Open's youngest semi-finalist since 2005 after overcoming Russian Andrey Rublev 6-2, 7-6 (8/6) on Friday.

Sinner, ranked 19th in the world, will next face Stefanos Tsitsipas after the Greek second seed defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-3.

"I am trying to get better every week," Sinner said.&nbsp;

"He (Rublev) has played many, many matches already this year and I tried to play my tennis.&nbsp;

"It was difficult to finish it off. I had three break points at 5-5 (in the second set), which I could not convert, but I'm pleased to win in the end," he added.

Rafael Nadal, who has won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, reached the Barcelona last four as an 18-year-old 16 years ago.

Nadal faces Britain's Cameron Norrie later for a place in the semis as he seeks a 12th title in Barcelona.

Italian 19-year-old Jannik Sinner became the Barcelona Open's youngest semi-finalist since 2005 after overcoming Russian Andrey Rublev 6-2, 7-6 (8/6) on Friday. Sinner, ranked 19th in the world, will next face Stefanos Tsitsipas after the Greek second seed defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-3.

Italian 19-year-old Jannik Sinner became the Barcelona Open's youngest semi-finalist since 2005 after overcoming Russian Andrey Rublev 6-2, 7-6 (8/6) on Friday. Sinner, ranked 19th in the world, will next face Stefanos Tsitsipas after the Greek second seed defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-3. "I am trying to get better every week," Sinner said. "He (Rublev) has played many, many matches already this year and I tried to play my tennis. "It was difficult to finish it off. I had three break points at 5-5 (in the second set), which I could not convert, but I'm pleased to win in the end," he added. Rafael Nadal, who has won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, reached the Barcelona last four as an 18-year-old 16 years ago. Nadal faces Britain's Cameron Norrie later for a place in the semis as he seeks a 12th title in Barcelona.

Sinner to play Tsitsipas in Barcelona semi-finals

World number one Ashleigh Barty said she was one of a few players offered admittance to a COVID-19 vaccine through a WTA Tour activity at a competition in South Carolina recently.&nbsp;

Barty, who turns 25 on Saturday, and her Australian mentor Craig Tyzzer were among the individuals who exploited the WTA's offer yet said she ensured they were not "bouncing the line".&nbsp;

"We were taking a gander at various roads to attempt to get immunized without bouncing the line in Australia to perceive what our alternatives were, and we couldn't find quite a bit of a solution before we left in March," she told journalists at a competition in Stuttgart.&nbsp;

"We had the option to get the antibody, similar to a ton of different players, through the Tour and that they had coordinated through a specific drug store that had additional items, and that was essential to me realizing that the individuals who were the most helpless had the option to get it first."&nbsp;

Barty spent the most recent year back home in Australia, for the most part, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Miami Open was her first competition abroad since February 2020.&nbsp;

"It was ideal to realize that we have that little layer of insurance," Barty said, adding that she had encountered a couple of results from the immunization.&nbsp;

"We actually do the correct things and submit to every one of the standards and the rules set up by the Tour however realizing that we had that tad of additional assurance reassures us a touch more."

Barty had won eight straight matches since getting back to the WTA Tour a month ago, including a great competition triumph at the Miami Open.&nbsp;

In Friday's quarter-finals, Barty plays either Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko, likewise a previous Roland Garros champ, or previous world number one Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic.&nbsp;

Recently, Barty asserted her second successive Miami Open title to hold her No. 1 WTA positioning.&nbsp;

The 2021 French Open will begin on Monday, May 24.

(With inputs from agencies)

World number one Ashleigh Barty said she was one of a few players offered admittance to a COVID-19 vaccine through a WTA Tour activity at a competition in South Carolina recently.

World number one Ashleigh Barty said she was one of a few players offered admittance to a COVID-19 vaccine through a WTA Tour activity at a competition in South Carolina recently. Barty, who turns 25 on Saturday, and her Australian mentor Craig Tyzzer were among the individuals who exploited the WTA's offer yet said she ensured they were not "bouncing the line". "We were taking a gander at various roads to attempt to get immunized without bouncing the line in Australia to perceive what our alternatives were, and we couldn't find quite a bit of a solution before we left in March," she told journalists at a competition in Stuttgart. "We had the option to get the antibody, similar to a ton of different players, through the Tour and that they had coordinated through a specific drug store that had additional items, and that was essential to me realizing that the individuals who were the most helpless had the option to get it first." Barty spent the most recent year back home in Australia, for the most part, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Miami Open was her first competition abroad since February 2020. "It was ideal to realize that we have that little layer of insurance," Barty said, adding that she had encountered a couple of results from the immunization. "We actually do the correct things and submit to every one of the standards and the rules set up by the Tour however realizing that we had that tad of additional assurance reassures us a touch more." Barty had won eight straight matches since getting back to the WTA Tour a month ago, including a great competition triumph at the Miami Open. In Friday's quarter-finals, Barty plays either Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko, likewise a previous Roland Garros champ, or previous world number one Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic. Recently, Barty asserted her second successive Miami Open title to hold her No. 1 WTA positioning. The 2021 French Open will begin on Monday, May 24. (With inputs from agencies)

Through WTA Tour initiative, Ashleigh Barty among players to get COVID-19 vaccine in US

Novak Djokovic bounced back from his shock early defeat by Dan Evans in Monte Carlo last week with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Kwon Soon-woo to reach the Serbian Open quarter-finals on Wednesday.

The world number one, warming up for the start of the French Open next month, will face fellow home hope Miomir Kecmanovic in the last eight in Belgrade.

It was plain sailing for Djokovic, whose loss to Evans was his first of the season, as he won in only an hour and 10 minutes.

The 33-year-old's Australian Open triumph earlier this year took him within two of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's joint all-time record of 20 Grand Slam men's singles titles.

He will be bidding for a second Roland Garros crown when the clay-court major gets underway on May 30, having suffered a straight-sets thrashing by old rival Nadal in the 2020 final.

Djokovic cruised into a 6-1, 5-2 lead against world number 85 Kwon without facing a break point.

The South Korean broke the top seed when he served for the match, but Djokovic quashed any hopes of an unlikely comeback by breaking to love to secure a comfortable win.

Novak Djokovic bounced back from his shock early defeat by Dan Evans in Monte Carlo last week with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Kwon Soon-woo to reach the Serbian Open quarter-finals on Wednesday.

Novak Djokovic bounced back from his shock early defeat by Dan Evans in Monte Carlo last week with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Kwon Soon-woo to reach the Serbian Open quarter-finals on Wednesday. The world number one, warming up for the start of the French Open next month, will face fellow home hope Miomir Kecmanovic in the last eight in Belgrade. It was plain sailing for Djokovic, whose loss to Evans was his first of the season, as he won in only an hour and 10 minutes. The 33-year-old's Australian Open triumph earlier this year took him within two of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's joint all-time record of 20 Grand Slam men's singles titles. He will be bidding for a second Roland Garros crown when the clay-court major gets underway on May 30, having suffered a straight-sets thrashing by old rival Nadal in the 2020 final. Djokovic cruised into a 6-1, 5-2 lead against world number 85 Kwon without facing a break point. The South Korean broke the top seed when he served for the match, but Djokovic quashed any hopes of an unlikely comeback by breaking to love to secure a comfortable win.

Novak Djokovic cruises into Belgrade quarter-finals

Empty stands has been the new normal for tennis since last year due to COVID-19 restrictions but top men's players like Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic said they still find it difficult to maintain their intensity during matches in the absence of fans.

The professional circuit was shut down for several months last year before tournament organisers set up 'biosecure bubbles' for players and support staff while keeping fans away from stadiums.

Barring the swing in Australia in February, tournaments continue to be played in front of a handful of fans at most.

Nadal lost some of his intensity during Wednesday's 6-1 6-2 win over Argentine Delbonis at the Monte Carlo Masters and the Spaniard was in no doubt the absence of fans took something away from the game.

"It's difficult to keep going sometimes with the same intensity without the crowd," the 20-times Grand Slam champion told reporters.

"The crowd helps you to keep going. You want to show that you are in good shape.

"It's true, personally I miss the crowd. I can't lie about that. I enjoy much more playing in front of a good crowd than without."

World number one Djokovic produced a high-level performance to beat Italian 19-year-old Jannik Sinner 6-4 6-2 at the ATP Masters 1000 event but he too said he missed the energy generated by spectators.

"We need crowds back on the stands. The crowd gives us so much energy. Also, it adds to the motivation in a sense to what we do, the sport that we are a part of," said Djokovic.

The Serb conceded however that he had been able to focus a bit more without all the noise.

"We have this calm and kind of serenity on the stands and on the court," he added. "It just allows you to maybe focus on yourself a bit more, not have maybe as many distractions around that can happen."

Empty stands has been the new normal for tennis since last year due to COVID-19 restrictions but top men's players like Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic said they still find it difficult to maintain their intensity during matches in the absence of fans.

Empty stands has been the new normal for tennis since last year due to COVID-19 restrictions but top men's players like Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic said they still find it difficult to maintain their intensity during matches in the absence of fans. The professional circuit was shut down for several months last year before tournament organisers set up 'biosecure bubbles' for players and support staff while keeping fans away from stadiums. Barring the swing in Australia in February, tournaments continue to be played in front of a handful of fans at most. Nadal lost some of his intensity during Wednesday's 6-1 6-2 win over Argentine Delbonis at the Monte Carlo Masters and the Spaniard was in no doubt the absence of fans took something away from the game. "It's difficult to keep going sometimes with the same intensity without the crowd," the 20-times Grand Slam champion told reporters. "The crowd helps you to keep going. You want to show that you are in good shape. "It's true, personally I miss the crowd. I can't lie about that. I enjoy much more playing in front of a good crowd than without." World number one Djokovic produced a high-level performance to beat Italian 19-year-old Jannik Sinner 6-4 6-2 at the ATP Masters 1000 event but he too said he missed the energy generated by spectators. "We need crowds back on the stands. The crowd gives us so much energy. Also, it adds to the motivation in a sense to what we do, the sport that we are a part of," said Djokovic. The Serb conceded however that he had been able to focus a bit more without all the noise. "We have this calm and kind of serenity on the stands and on the court," he added. "It just allows you to maybe focus on yourself a bit more, not have maybe as many distractions around that can happen."

No fans in stands: Nadal, Djokovic miss the 'energy'

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